Soleb Temple and Pyramid Field

Why it mattersSouthernmost full Egyptian temple in Sudan; sed-festival architecture; bridge between Egyptian colonial and Napatan pyramid field at Third Cataract.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c.1380 BCE temple; pyramids c.1400–650 BCE

Period

New Kingdom (Amenhotep III, 1391–1353 BCE) with Napatan reuse 750 BCE

Culture

Egyptian New Kingdom (18th Dynasty, Amenhotep III) Nubian frontier

Purpose

Jubilee (sed-festival) temple for deified Amenhotep III and colonial elite pyramid cemetery at southernmost Egyptian temple-town

Excavation

Excavated

1. c.1380 BCE temple; pyramids c.1400–650 BCE

   Initial construction / foundation

2. c. 1200–600 BCE

   Major use phase and refurbishment

3. 20th century

   Modern archaeological survey and excavation

• Soleb Amun templetemple55×25 m sandstone pylon temple sed-festival20.4330° N · 30.3350° E
• Sphinx avenueavenueAvenue with ram sphinxes to Nile quay20.4328° N · 30.3355° E
• Priests' pyramid cemeterycemeteryCluster of 8–12 m mudbrick pyramids with chapels20.4340° N · 30.3345° E