Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel Temples

More than 3,000 years ago, the illustrious pharaoh Ramses II commissioned the construction of these monumental structures, carved into the cliff sides of southern Egypt. Since then, they have captivated tourists and scholars alike for centuries. As the sun rises over the desert, casting its golden light upon the towering statues and intricate relief artwork, visitors are transported back to an era of extraordinary architecture.

Abu Simbel Temples location:
● Abu Simbel, located in the southern Egyptian governorate of Aswan, houses two temples constructed by Ramses II, who reigned from 1279 to 13 BCE. Historically, this region bordered Nubia and marked the southern border of ancient Egypt.
● The Abu Simbel Temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nubia, situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser. Positioned along the river connecting Abu Simbel to Philae near Aswan, the temple holds significant historical and cultural importance.

How do the Abu Simbel Temples look?
The colossal statues are divided into two parts. One, known as the Great Temple, venerates Ramesses II, while the other, named the Small Temple, pays homage to his wife, Queen Nefertari.
There are Six statues standing at the door to the other temple. Four are of Ramses II and two are of his wife Nefertari. 
1. The Great temple:
● The temple extends 63 meters into the rock, featuring a facade that is 33 meters high and 38 meters wide. Four colossal statues of Ramses, each twenty meters tall and representing gods, are carved into the facade.
● One of these statues has a broken top part. Despite their immense size, the sculptor skillfully portrayed Ramses' attractive face and gentle smile, which greet the rising sun.
● From the gate, reaching a platform with eight 10-meter-high bas-reliefs of Ramses depicted as Osiris, the god of the underworld and setting sun. The ceiling features stars and spread-winged falcons. Scenes from the Battle of Kadesh are carved into the walls at the base of the columns. Beyond this hall, there is a smaller hall with four square columns, also carved with scenes of Ramses II with the gods.

2. The small temple: 
● Located about 150 meters north of the Great Temple, its front is adorned with six statues. Four of these statues depict Ramses II, while the remaining two represent his wife, the Great Queen Nefertari, alongside the goddess Hathor.
● Through the door is a hall with pillars decorated with the head of the goddess Hathor. The walls feature scenes of the king, queen, and other gods, including moments from the king's life, such as when he and Nefertari offered gifts of flowers, food, and drink.
● In the next hall, the king and his wife are depicted with the gods. Finally, in the Holy of Holies, there is a figure of the goddess Hathor in the chest.

Sun alignment with Ramses II Temple at Abu Simbel:
● The larger temple is oriented towards the sun, allowing sunlight to penetrate its deepest chambers twice a year, illuminating a figure of Ramses and the gods to whom the temple is dedicated. Around February 22 and October 22, the first rays of morning sunlight penetrate the entire temple, illuminating the shrine in the inner sanctuary.

This extraordinary alignment is a testament to the architectural and astronomical expertise of the ancient Egyptians, making Abu Simbel not just a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of the enduring legacy of Ramses II and his devotion to the gods.