Abu Simbel Temples | Aswan

The Abu Simbel Temples are two colossal rock temples located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan, on the western bank of the Nile River. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of the New Kingdom Pharaoh Ramses II (circa 1244 BCE) as part of his efforts to commemorate his rule and demonstrate his divine power. These temples are among the most impressive and iconic monuments of ancient Egyptian architecture and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their grandeur, historical significance, and incredible preservation.

Historical and Religious Context

Ramses II, often referred to as Ramses the Great, ruled Egypt for 66 years (1279–1213 BCE) and is widely regarded as one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. He is remembered for his military exploits, extensive building projects, and efforts to solidify Egypt’s dominance over neighboring regions.

The Abu Simbel Temples were primarily constructed to commemorate Ramses II’s military victories, particularly his victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and to honor the gods and his own divinity. The temples were meant to reinforce the power of the pharaoh and his divine right to rule.

The temples were dedicated to Ra-Horakhty, the sun god, and to the pharaoh’s deified self, embodying the idea that the king was a living god on earth.

The Two Temples

There are two temples at Abu Simbel, each dedicated to different purposes and deities:

1. The Great Temple of Ramses II

Purpose: This temple is dedicated to the gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun, Ptah, and the deified Ramses II himself. It was built to honor Ramses II, the gods, and the king's own divine status.

Size and Layout: The Great Temple is the larger of the two and is monumental in scale. It measures about 33 meters (108 feet) high and 38 meters (125 feet) wide. The facade is adorned with four colossal statues of Ramses II, each around 20 meters (66 feet) tall, seated on the throne, with his crown and royal regalia.

Interior: Inside, the temple consists of several chambers and halls, including a large hypostyle hall supported by eight massive columns. The walls of the temple are richly decorated with reliefs and inscriptions, which portray scenes from Ramses II’s military campaigns, particularly the famous Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. The walls also depict Ramses making offerings to the gods and engaging in religious rituals.

Sanctuary: At the far end of the temple is the sanctuary, where statues of the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Ramses II were placed. This chamber was designed so that, on two days each year (around February 22 and October 22), the rays of the sun would penetrate the temple and illuminate the statues of the gods, except for the statue of Ptah, who was associated with the darkness.

2. The Small Temple of Nefertari

Purpose: The smaller temple is dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and music, and to Queen Nefertari, Ramses II’s favorite wife. This temple was built to honor her and highlight her importance in the pharaoh’s reign.

Size and Layout: While much smaller than the Great Temple, the Small Temple is still impressive. The facade of the temple features six statues, with Ramses II depicted alongside Queen Nefertari. Four statues of Ramses II sit on the throne, with two on either side, while two statues of Nefertari are positioned next to his statues. Despite being smaller, the temple still showcases the grandeur of Egyptian temple architecture.

Interior: The interior of the Small Temple is decorated with scenes of Ramses II and Nefertari making offerings to the gods. The walls of the temple also depict the king and queen together, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two and the queen’s elevated status.

Symbolism: The statues and reliefs in the Small Temple of Nefertari are particularly notable for their depiction of Nefertari as a queen of equal status to the pharaoh, a rarity in ancient Egypt, where queens were usually shown in a more subordinate role.

The Sun Festival Phenomenon

One of the most remarkable features of the Great Temple of Ramses II is the sun alignment that occurs twice a year. On February 22 and October 22, the sun’s rays shine through the temple’s entrance and illuminate the statues of Ramses II and the gods Amun and Ra-Horakhty in the sanctuary, while the statue of Ptah remains in shadow. These dates are believed to correspond to the pharaoh’s coronation and his birthday.

The sun alignment is a symbolic event that reinforces the connection between the pharaoh’s reign, the divine order, and the cycles of the natural world.

The Relocation of the Temples

In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the Abu Simbel Temples under the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which would have destroyed them. In a monumental effort to save the temples, an international campaign led by the UNESCO and the Egyptian government resulted in the relocation of both temples between 1964 and 1968.

The temples were carefully cut into large blocks, and the entire structure was moved 200 meters (656 feet) to the higher ground above the waterline. The relocation was a feat of engineering and is considered one of the most impressive preservation efforts in archaeological history.

Visiting Abu Simbel

Location: The Abu Simbel temples are located in southern Egypt, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) southwest of Aswan, near the border with Sudan.

Accessibility: The site is accessible by road or boat from Aswan, and there are regular tours that can take visitors from Aswan to Abu Simbel. It’s also possible to fly directly from Aswan to Abu Simbel.

Opening Hours: The temples are generally open every day from 5 AM to 6:30 PM, but times may vary depending on the season or special events.

Admission: There is an entry fee to visit Abu Simbel, and there may be additional charges for photography. Since the site is remote, most visitors arrange guided tours to make the journey easier and informative.

Significance and Legacy

The Abu Simbel Temples are an enduring symbol of Ramses II’s grandeur and the religious devotion of ancient Egypt. The colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance to the Great Temple are among the most recognizable images of ancient Egyptian art.

The temples represent the heights of Egyptian architectural and engineering achievements, especially considering the technical challenges involved in their relocation.

The alignment of the sun in the Great Temple highlights the advanced understanding of astronomy and the profound religious and symbolic meaning the ancient Egyptians attached to celestial phenomena.

Today, Abu Simbel remains one of the most visited and awe-inspiring ancient Egyptian sites, attracting tourists from around the world who marvel at its historical significance, monumental scale, and the sheer determination required to preserve it.

Conclusion

The Abu Simbel Temples are among the most awe-inspiring monuments of ancient Egypt. Built by Ramses II to commemorate his reign and honor the gods, these temples stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance and religious significance of ancient Egyptian civilization. The temples' relocation in the 1960s is a remarkable story of preservation and international cooperation, ensuring that future generations can continue to admire and learn from this extraordinary site.