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Abu Simbel is the site of two
magnificent temples built by Ramses II. It lies south of Aswan on the
western bank of the Nile
in what was then ancient Nubia, it is believed
that his intension was to demonstrate his power and his divine nature.
Despite its relative remoteness, it
is one of the most "must see" sights in Egypt, with tourists arriving both
by road and air, as it has a small local airport. The whole site was due
to become submerged in the waters of lake Nasser on completion of the High
Dam, so a worldwide appeal was launched to save the temples, and in 1964
work began on dismantling the temples and moving them to higher ground. The
temples were cut into large blocks and moved 60 metres above their
original position, so now they are situated on top of the cliff from which
they were originally carved. An artificial mountain was built behind the
temples in an attempt to give a better representation of how they looked
in their original position. the work was completed four years later in
1968 just in time to escape the rising water level. |
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The greater of the two temples built by Ramses II has a facade 33 metres
high and is guarded by four statues of Ramses in a seated position with
much smaller statues between his legs of his mother Mut-tuy, his wife
Nefertari and his children. |
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 Inside,
the temple has been carved from the rock. the first hall has two rows of
statues of Ramses. The walls are covered with inscriptions celebrating the
battle of Kadesh. The next hall is smaller and is known as the Hall of the
Nobles, it is supported by four square pillars. From here a doorway leads
to the Vestibule and then on to the innermost shrine containing seated
statues of Ptah, Amun-Ra, Ramses II and Re-Horakhte. The temple is aligned
with the sun in such a way that it penetrates right on to the shrine on two
days of the year: February 21st, Ramses II birthday, and October 22nd, the
date of his coronation. When the temples were relocated, great care was
taken to maintain the sites relationship with the sun. |
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North of the greater temple stands the temple of Hathur. It also was built
by Ramses II and dedicated to Hathur, the goddess of love and beauty, and
to his favourite wife Nefertari. The temple is carved into the rock face
with six statues, four representing Ramses II himself, and two
representing his wife, Nerertari. |
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Inside the roof is supported by six columns
on which the goddess Hathor is depicted. On from this can be found the
Vestibule with other doorways leading off into other small chambers. In
the middle of the far wall is another doorway leading to the Sanctuary.
The walls are covered with images of both Ramses II and his wife Nefertari
making offerings to the gods. |
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Egypt and the Nile
Abu Simbel
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