Abu Simbel Temples
Ipsambul · Abu Sunbul · Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty (c.1264–1244 BCE under Ramses II)·Egyptian New Kingdom / Nubian influence·🇪🇬 Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
About Abu Simbel Temples
Two rock-cut temples carved for Ramses II (1264–1244 BCE) on Nubian frontier: Great Temple with four 20 m seated colossi of Ramses, aligned so sun illuminates inner sanctuary (statues of Ramses, Amun, Ra-Horakhty; god Ptah stays dark) on 22 Feb/22 Oct. Small Temple for Queen Nefertari and Hathor with six 10 m standing statues. Relocated 1964–68 by UNESCO 60 m higher to escape Aswan High Dam lake – global heritage rescue milestone.
Why it mattersGreatest Ramesside rock temples; defining UNESCO rescue project
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Solar alignment precision: intended sunrise dates vs modern 22 Feb/22 Oct shift after relocation
- 02Whether deep inner sanctuary's four statues represent syncretic theology vs ruler cult
Theories
- 01Temples aligned to commemorate coronation and birth dates of Ramses II (Mansour)
- 02Relocation 60 m up with domes considered engineering marvel saving Nubian Monuments
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1264–1244 BCE (Great Temple completed c.1244)
- Period
- New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty (c.1264–1244 BCE under Ramses II)
- Culture
- Egyptian New Kingdom / Nubian influence
- Purpose
- Deification of Ramses II as living god and warning to Nubian and Hittite rivals
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.1264–1244 BCE (Great Temple completed c.1244)
Initial construction
c. 1042 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
22.3369° N · 31.6256° E · 183 m · 3 mapped features
- Great Temple of Ramses IItemple65 m deep rock temple with 4 colossi, hypostyle with Osiride pillars, sanctuary illumination22.3372° N · 31.6250° E
- Small Temple of Nefertari/HathortempleRock temple with six 10 m statues of Ramses and Nefertari as Hathor22.3365° N · 31.6258° E
- Sanctuary Illumination Axisalignment35 m solar axis illuminating three of four sanctuary statues twice yearly22.3371° N · 31.6253° E
Gallery