Abu Simbel

When you see images of Egypt, particularly Ancient Egypt, we often think about the pyramids of Abu Simbel.  These temples have become a tourist attraction and they remain a popular destination.  Thousands of visitors eagerly travel to see the temple with the four giant figures at the entrance as well as the temple dedicated to Nefertari.  Many people are left in awe once they realize this temple has been removed from its original location.

The temple of Abu Simbel was relocated because it was under the threat of being submerged by Lake Nasser.  Construction of the High Damn would have caused waters to cover all the associated temples; therefore, in order to avoid this, the Egyptian government financed the removal of the temple and relocated it 200 feet higher and 600 feet to the west of the original site.  The temple was cut out in blocks and later conjoined to reconstruct the temples.  Most of the joints are now filled and clues of the temple’s movement are difficult to detect.  Once you enter the temple, cut marks and photos of the “removal” project can be seen.

How was this temple located? In 1813, J. L. Burckhardt found the temple of Ramses II.  As he was preparing to leave the area he spotted the front of the temple covered in sand.  After the temple was unearthed it soon became a high destination for Victorians and tourists. 

It appears that Ramses began construction during the fifth year of his rule. During his reign, the temple was referred to as Hwt Ramesses Meryamun, which literally means Temple of Ramesses - beloved of Amun.  Even by today’s standards the temple appears to have been constructed very extravagantly. Ramses had four large statues depicting him.  Each statue is 67 feet high and he can be seen wearing the double crown (The crown of Upper and Lower Egypt).  Shown to the side of each statute and on the throne are Nile gods unifying Egypt.

The hall inside the temple is a sight to see.  It contains eight large statues of Osiris, four on each side.   These large statues help to hold this massive temple up.  The walls are decorated as well.  They show the king at war during the battle of Kadesh presenting captives as offerings to the gods. This temple was designed to accommodate the sun.  The axis was arranged in such a way that on two days of the year the sun’s rays enter the hall and illuminate the eight God’s of Osiris.

The other temple was made for his favorite wife Nefertari.  This temple was carved into a cliff and dedicated to both Hathor and Nefertari.  The front of the temple is comprised of six statues - four of his wife and two of him standing in a row.  The statues are all about the same height.  This signifies that Nefertari may have been considered just as important as Ramses II.