Philae Temple | Aswan

The Philae Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis. It is located on Philae Island in the Aswan Reservoir in southern Egypt, near the city of Aswan. The temple is one of the last major temples built in Egypt, and its construction occurred during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, primarily between the 4th century BCE and the 1st century CE. The Philae Temple complex is renowned for its beauty, history, and significance in ancient Egyptian religion.

Historical Context

Isis, the main deity of the Philae Temple, was one of the most important goddesses in ancient Egyptian religion. She was revered as the goddess of magic, motherhood, fertility, and protection, and she was believed to have powerful magical abilities, especially in healing and protecting the dead. The temple on Philae Island became one of the primary centers of worship for Isis.

The temple was originally constructed during the reign of the Ptolemaic rulers, who sought to blend Greek and Egyptian traditions, continuing to build temples dedicated to traditional Egyptian gods while also incorporating Greek influences. This was part of the Ptolemaic rulers' efforts to legitimize their rule over Egypt, which was under Greek control after the conquest of Alexander the Great.

The Philae Temple complex continued to be an important religious center for centuries, even after Egypt became part of the Roman Empire. However, it was one of the last temples to remain active in ancient Egypt, with its temple rituals continuing until AD 550 when Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire ordered the closure of pagan temples in Egypt.

The Philae Temple Complex

The temple complex on Philae Island is made up of several buildings, including the main temple of Isis, as well as smaller temples dedicated to other gods. The complex was constructed in the traditional Egyptian style but includes architectural features from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

1. The Temple of Isis

Main Sanctuary: The Temple of Isis is the largest and most important structure in the complex. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and was designed to celebrate her divine qualities, particularly her role as a mother and protector. The temple is oriented toward the east, and like most Egyptian temples, it features a series of courtyards and halls that lead toward the sanctuary.

Pylon: The entrance to the temple is marked by a large pylon (a monumental gateway), which is typical of Egyptian temples. The pylon is adorned with reliefs that depict the king (most often Ptolemaic or Roman rulers) making offerings to the gods, with Isis shown as a central figure.

First Courtyard: Upon entering the temple, visitors pass through a first courtyard, which is lined with columns. The walls of the courtyard are decorated with scenes of the king making offerings to the gods, including scenes of Isis and other deities like Osiris, her husband, and Horus, her son.

Hypostyle Hall: After the first courtyard, the visitor enters the hypostyle hall, which contains rows of columns, typical of ancient Egyptian temple architecture. These columns are decorated with reliefs and inscriptions that depict religious rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the gods of the temple.

Sanctuary: The sanctuary of the temple is the most sacred area, where a statue of Isis was originally placed. The sanctuary was the focal point of temple rituals, and only priests and high-ranking officials were allowed to enter. The sanctuary of the Philae Temple, like most Egyptian temples, was aligned with the rising sun, which played an important role in the religious symbolism of the space.

Reliefs and Inscriptions: The walls of the temple are covered with reliefs and inscriptions that depict the rituals associated with the worship of Isis, as well as scenes of various pharaohs, queens, and gods. One of the most significant aspects of the temple's reliefs is the portrayal of the myth of Osiris, where Isis is shown mourning the death of her husband, and later using her magical powers to resurrect him.

2. The Kiosk of Trajan

In addition to the main Temple of Isis, the Philae Temple complex also includes a small kiosk dedicated to the Roman emperor Trajan (reigned 98-117 CE). This structure is a Roman addition to the temple and is built in the style of an open-air pavilion with four columns. The kiosk is located on an island near the main temple complex and is a distinctive feature of the site, reflecting the changes brought about by the Roman period.

3. Other Temples on Philae Island

In addition to the Temple of Isis, there are several smaller temples and structures on Philae Island, including:

The Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty, which was built during the Ptolemaic period.

The Small Temple of the Pharaohs, which is a small sanctuary that was used for royal cult worship.

Chapel of the Coptic Period, which reflects the use of the site as a Christian church in the later centuries of its existence.

The Relocation of Philae Temple

In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the creation of Lake Nasser posed a significant threat to the Philae Temple complex, as the rising waters of the lake would have submerged the temples. To save the temples, an international effort led by UNESCO and the Egyptian government was launched, and the temples were carefully relocated to higher ground.

The temples were dismantled and moved to Agilkia Island, a nearby island in the reservoir, where they were reconstructed in their original form. The relocation process was a monumental engineering effort, and the temples were reassembled with the utmost care to ensure that they maintained their alignment with the sun and the original architectural design.

Today, the relocated Philae Temple complex remains one of the most significant examples of Egypt’s ancient heritage and a popular tourist destination.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Temple of Isis at Philae was one of the last functioning pagan temples in Egypt, and its closure marked the end of the era of temple worship that had dominated Egypt for millennia. The cult of Isis continued to be influential for centuries, with Isis being worshiped in various parts of the Roman Empire, including Greece and Rome itself.

The myth of Osiris and Isis, with Isis’s mourning and resurrection of her husband Osiris, became one of the most enduring religious stories in ancient Egypt, symbolizing themes of death, resurrection, and the cyclical nature of life. The temple played a key role in the ritual reenactments of these myths.

Visiting Philae Temple

Location: The Philae Temple complex is located on Philae Island, near Aswan in southern Egypt. It is accessible by boat from the Aswan dock.

Opening Hours: The temple is typically open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM, but the hours may vary depending on the season or special events.

Admission: Visitors are required to pay an entry fee to visit the temple. Additionally, there is a fee for taking photographs, and boat rides to the island may require an additional charge.

Conclusion

The Philae Temple is a magnificent testament to ancient Egyptian religious practices, the worship of the goddess Isis, and the architectural grandeur of the Ptolemaic period. Despite the challenges it faced with the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple’s successful relocation and preservation ensure that future generations can appreciate its historical and cultural significance. Philae remains one of the most important and visited temple complexes in Egypt, and its serene setting on the Nile adds to its allure and mystique.