Introduction to Abu Simbel Temple

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, located in Nubia near the southern borders of Egypt, stands among the most magnificent landmarks in Egypt. Built by King Ramesses II of the Nineteenth Dynasty, it was entirely carved into the mountain around 1264 BCE.

Historical Significance of Abu Simbel

The temple is renowned for its four colossal seated statues adorning its façade, one of which collapsed due to an ancient earthquake, with its remnants still lying on the ground. The temple’s façade consists of four colossal statues of Ramesses II, each towering 20 meters high, flanking a doorway leading to a hall 180 feet long.

At the entrance of the temple are four statues, while at the entrance of the second temple are six statues, four of which represent Ramesses II and two depict his wife, Nefertari. The massive statues of the king stand on either side of the main hall leading to the Holy of Holies, where four deities sit: Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Ramesses II himself as a deity

Solar Alignment Phenomenon :

The temple was meticulously constructed so that sunlight penetrates its depths twice a year, on February 22nd and October 22nd, illuminating the statues inside, notably the statue of Ptah. Clear engravings in the corridors depict Ramesses II’s military exploits, while the decorated column hall draws visitors deeper into the temple, with Ramesses, seated among the gods, adding a touch of mystery, heightened by the unique solar alignment displaying specific sun rays twice a year, as reported by ANCIENT ORIGIN.

To the north lies another rock-hewn temple known as the Small Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramesses II’s Great Royal Wife, Queen Nefertari. On the façade of the Small Temple stand her colossal statues, matching the size of her husband’s statues, a remarkably rare example.

Relocation and Preservation Efforts :

Both temples were relocated from their original site in 1968 after the construction of the High Dam in Aswan, which threatened to submerge them. The international efforts led by UNESCO successfully completed the relocation process, and the temples were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

Over time, the main temple’s statues were buried under sand until only their heads remained visible, and the temple was forgotten until 1813 when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt discovered it. Burckhardt discussed the matter with the Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni, and they traveled together to the area, attempting to enter the temple but failing to dig an entrance. However, in 1817, Belzoni returned and succeeded in entering the temple.