Named by the Greek poet Homer as "Thebes of the Thousand Gates," Luxor was the center of power for almost 1,500 years. The name "Luxor" means "the palaces" in Arabic and reflects the city's rich array of magnificent temples and tombs. During the 7th century B.C., the Assyrians invaded Egypt and left the city of Thebes in ruin. Happily, today's "invaders" are visitors who arrive in Luxor to view the remnants of a truly magnificent civilization.