Abu Simbel Temples | Temple of Ramses II
Following the death of Pharaoh Ramses II, the Abu Simbel temple was constructed as a site of veneration for him and as a demonstration of authority over the newly acquired Nubian region. The temple is most renowned for its four massive statues of Ramses II that stand at its entrance.
The facade, rising to a height of 33 meters, features the four grand statues of Ramses II adorned with the double crown representing Upper and Lower Egypt. This architectural marvel served to convey the pharaoh's dominance to visitors arriving from the south during the New Kingdom, specifically in the 19th dynasty.
The history of the Abu Simbel Temple reveals that this magnificent structure was dedicated to the protective deities of ancient Egypt, namely Amun of Thebes (present-day Luxor), Ptah of Memphis (the capital during the Old Kingdom), and Ra. Additionally, it honors Harakhty of Heliopolis. This temple, intricately carved into the rocky cliff on the western bank of the Nile, commenced construction in the fifth year of the Pharaoh's reign and was completed over a span of thirty years.
The Abu Simbel Temple In the early era of the illustrious pharaohs of ancient Egypt, this remarkable monument fell into neglect and was gradually engulfed by sand, ultimately vanishing from historical records and receiving no further mention from the Greeks or Romans. It was not until 1813 that Swiss explorer Lewis Burkhardt brought attention to the site, describing it as a collection of statues, with only the heads and shoulders visible. In 1817, Italian explorer Giovanni Battista Belzoni succeeded in entering the temple, though he was disheartened by the limited artifacts found within. For several more decades, the monument remained partially buried until it was fully uncovered in 1909, revealing its grandeur.
The Abu Simbel Temple, the smaller of the two temples in the region, is dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love. Constructed by Ramses II in tribute to his cherished wife, Nefertari, the temple's façade features six monumental statues, each approximately 10 meters tall, representing Ramses II alongside the queen. These grand figures are accompanied by smaller representations of other royal family members. Inside, the temple boasts a hypostyle hall adorned with pillars crowned with Hathor's heads, alongside depictions of Ramses engaged in the historic battle of Kadesh. The walls are richly illustrated with scenes of Nefertari, Hathor, and Mut, culminating in a portrayal of the royal couple presenting offerings to the deities on the back wall. In the 1960s, the temples of Abu Simbel were meticulously relocated to avoid submersion due to the rising waters of Lake Nasser. This significant endeavor was overseen by UNESCO, which facilitated the transportation and elevation of the monuments to an artificial hill situated 210 meters away and 65 meters higher than their original location. The Abu Simbel temples are essential destinations for travelers on Nile River Cruises in Egypt and are featured in numerous Egypt Day Tours, Travel Packages, Aswan excursions, and Luxor trips. Amun, revered as the ancient Egyptian god of the sun and air, is also known by names such as Amun, Amen, or Amun-Ra. He held a prominent position among the deities of ancient Egypt, particularly in Thebes during the early New Kingdom period (circa 1570-1069 BC). Our knowledgeable guide, an expert in Egyptology from Cairo Top Tours, will accompany you throughout your journey, addressing all your inquiries. With exceptional services provided upon your arrival, our company stands out as the premier choice for exploring Egypt.
