The twin temples of Abu Simbel, located on the edge of Lake Nasser, are one of Egypt‘s most remarkable landmarks. These temples, built by Ramesses II over 3,000 years ago, have withstood the test of time. The Temple of Abu Simbel facts and stories get much more intriguing when you realize that following the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the whole complex was demolished and moved to higher land.
Temple of Abu Simbel Facts that will Blow Your Mind
It took 50 years to rescue
The two temples of Abu Simbel were originally located on the banks of the Nile. This was before the construction of the high dam. The water on the banks rose substantially, posing a threat to the old temple. The government was also considering building a dam in the same area.
The two Abu Simbel Temples were carefully divided into various parts and transported away from Lake Nasser’s increasing water in 1964. They were relocated 200 meters away from the water’s edge. UNESCO oversaw the relocation procedure. It was regarded as one of the most difficult archaeological processes in history.
The Construction has Solar Alignment
The architectural enigma surrounding the construction of Abu Simbel temples has persisted. It is due to the way it was positioned with the solar system. The sun only shines through the temple twice a year, during the planting and flooding seasons.
These two seasons commemorate King Rameses II’s birth and coronation. Another archaeological wonder about this temple is the figures sculpted with such accuracy that Plah, the deity of darkness, is completely obscured.
Archaeologists think that the Egyptian builders were quite particular about the temple’s axis. Except for the god of darkness, they were erected to let sunlight to shine the sculptures on the rear wall.
It took 20 Years to Build the Temple
The Great Temple of Abu Simbel took approximately twenty years to complete. It was devoted to the gods Amun, Ra, and Ptah, as well as to the king himself. It was also known as the Temple of Ramses II. It is often regarded as the greatest and most magnificent of the temples built during Ramesses II’s reign, as well as one of the most spectacular in Egypt
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
For more than 3500 years, one of the oldest celebrations in human history has taken place in Egypt at the Abu Simbel temples, where the sun shines on the temple and beams of celestial lights enter the temple, lighting the darkest places.
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival commemorates Ramses II’s elevation to the throne on February 22 and his birthday on October 22 by allowing light to enter the central chamber and highlight the faces of the sitting statues of Ramses II and the gods. Travelers from all over the world still commemorate the alignment of religious monuments with the rising or setting sun.
It consists of Two Temples
Two temples exist in the complex of Abu Simbel. The first, the Great Temple, is devoted to Ramesses II himself, while the second, the Small Temple, was built to honor his lovely wife, Queen Nefertari
Unique Structures in the Inside
The temple’s sculptures depict Ramses II reclining on a throne and wearing a twin crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The temple’s interiors are identical to those of other Egyptian temples. There are other rooms within, including the hypostyle hall, which stands 18 meters tall and is made up of eight massive pillars depicting Ramses and the deity Osiris. Another is a pillared hall with four pillars that are adorned with exquisite depictions of sacrifices to the gods.
Cameras are not allowed
The sculptures and artwork that adorn both buildings of the Abu Simbel Temple are breathtaking. Hand carved pillars, wall murals, sculptures, statues, and much more enchant visitors. This artwork is thousands of years old and extremely fragile. That is why cameras are not permitted in order to prevent unintentional damage or fading.
Why is it named Abu Simbel?
Many people are wondering why the two temples were named as Abu Simbel. In 1813 CE, the Swiss explorer Burckhardt was allegedly guided to the location by a youngster named Abu Simbel, and the place was thereafter named for him.
Burckhardt, on the other hand, was unable to find the location, which was covered in sand up to the necks of the magnificent colossi, and afterwards told his friend and fellow traveler Giovanni Belzoni about his experience. It was Belzoni who discovered and excavated the temple in 1817 CE, and it is thought that he, rather than Burckhardt, was guided to the site by the young explorer and named the complex after him.
As with other details of Abu Simbel (such as the year it was built), the reality of either version of the history is subject to interpretation, and all that is known is that the complex’s original name, if it had one, has been forgotten.
What was the Abu Simbel Temple used for?
Abu Simbel Temple was devoted to the sun gods Amon-Re, Ptah, and Re-Horakhte. This is depicted by the four sitting colossi at the temple’s entrance. They were cut out of the rock prior to the temple’s relocation due to big flooding.
The smaller of the two Abu Simbel Temples is dedicated to Queen Nefertari. She was King Rameses II’s favorite and main wife. This is comparable to other temples erected in Egypt in this style.
The Abu Simbel Temple is Egypt’s second temple to be dedicated to a Queen. Akhenaten erected a shrine to his great royal wife, Nefertiti, for the first time. The temple of Hathor, located 100 meters northeast of the main temple, is dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Even more intriguing, the same Temple was devoted to the goddess Hathor.
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