Abu Simbel — Small Temple North Colossus Terrace (Nefertari)
أبو سمبل · Abu Simbel N Terrace
Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)·Old–New Kingdom Egyptian·🇪🇬 Aswan, Abu Simbel, Egypt
About
About Abu Simbel — Small Temple North Colossus Terrace (Nefertari)
Abu Simbel — Small Temple North Colossus Terrace (Nefertari) in Aswan, Abu Simbel, Egypt is a Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE) temple complex attributed to Old–New Kingdom Egyptian. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal platform and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions temple 32 m × 18 m; court 45 m × 30 m; area 32.3 ha. Excavation excavated; condition buried. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Old–New Kingdom Egyptian temple-complex with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 180 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction technique
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Territorial marker
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. 2600 BCE
- Period
- Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Old–New Kingdom Egyptian
- Purpose
- Temple and sanctuary complex
- Rediscovered
- 1926
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 823 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1945
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
22.3400° N · 31.6200° E · 180 m · 3 mapped features
- Main Temple CellacellaMain Temple Cella at Abu Simbel — Small Temple North Colossus Terrace (Nefertari) — cella with stratified deposits22.3408° N · 31.6203° E
- North Court AncillarycourtNorth Court Ancillary at Abu Simbel — Small Temple North Colossus Terrace (Nefertari) — court with stratified deposits22.3388° N · 31.6188° E
- Pylon GatepylonPylon Gate at Abu Simbel — Small Temple North Colossus Terrace (Nefertari) — pylon with stratified deposits22.3379° N · 31.6200° E
Gallery