The Abu Simbel Temple, hailed as one of the most stunning in Egypt, constitutes a complex featuring two grand temples on the southern fringes of Aswan City, approximately 320 kilometers away. These temples, built by King Ramses II, are remarkable structures.
The site is home to two excavated temples, the Temple of Ramses and the Temple of Queen Nefertari, both originating from the reign of King Ramses II (1290-1223 BC). These structures stand as testaments to the grandeur and magnificence of ancient Egypt.
Dedicated to the revered ancient Egyptian deities Amun-Ra, Harmakis, and Ptah, the Abu Simbel temple houses four colossal pharaoh statues. Initially, these temples suffered partial destruction, leading to their relocation to a site 65 meters higher than their original location to evade the encroaching waters of the Nile. This monumental salvage operation commenced in June 1964 and culminated in September 1968.
These temples were renowned for their distinct architectural styles, showcasing the remarkable achievements of the ancient kingdom. However, their susceptibility to Nile floods prompted collaborative efforts between the Egyptian government and UNESCO to safeguard these sanctuaries from submersion.
The primary temple dedicated to Ramses II pays homage to four universal gods – Ptah, Ra, Hare, Amun Ra, and the pharaoh himself. Often referred to as the Sun Temple of Ramesses II, this grand structure is a testament to divine reverence and the pharaoh’s glory.
The companion temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, Ramses II’s beloved wife, is also known as the ‘Temple of Hathor,’ honoring the sun god’s wife. This smaller yet equally majestic temple celebrates the divine feminine and embodies the reverence for royal spouses in ancient Egyptian culture.
Abu Simbel in Modern Times: Rediscovery and Transfer
In addition to the construction moment, we must know two more moments before visiting Abu Simbel: the rediscovery and its transfer. With the passing of successive pharaohs, the maintenance of these temples receded into the background, ultimately fading into obscurity without acknowledgment from the Greeks or Romans.
The relentless passage of time blanketed these constructions with desert sand, burying them for centuries until their accidental rediscovery during the 19th-century Egyptian fever. In 1813, Swiss explorer Louis Burckhardt stumbled upon protruding heads and hoods emerging from the ground, leading to efforts to unveil the monument. Despite initial limitations, the Italian Giovanni Belzoni, serving the British consul, created an entryway.
Upon this initial exploration, it became evident that the temples no longer held the riches sought by treasure hunters of the time.
Throughout the 19th century, extensive excavation work persisted, finally culminating in 1909 with the full unveiling of Abu Simbel. Fortunately, UNESCO spearheaded a significant international campaign to save these temples. The project involved constructing elevated artificial mountains, dismantling the original ruins into substantial stone blocks, and reassembling them in a new location. This monumental heritage conservation effort engaged diverse teams of archaeologists and engineers from across the globe.
As a token of gratitude, Egypt gifted some of the region’s temples, meticulously disassembled, numbered, and transferred to other countries. When visiting Abu Simbel or planning future travel, understanding these historical moments adds depth to the experience.
What to see in Abu Simbel?
Exploring Abu Simbel, whether alone or with a guide, necessitates careful organization due to its remote location. Familiarizing yourself with the temple’s components and included spaces is essential. The site comprises two large speoi (temples carved into the rock) positioned adjacent.
Acknowledging the historical background and the colossal effort invested in preserving these wonders enhances the visit, offering a profound understanding and admiration for the awe-inspiring structures awaiting discovery at Abu Simbel.
The Great Temple of Abu Simbel or Temple of Ramses II
Named after its grandeur, the larger of the two temples at Abu Simbel is a tribute to Pharaoh Ramses II, dedicated to the pivotal gods Ra-Horakhti, Amun, and Ptah—central figures in Ancient Egypt’s intricate religious beliefs. Within this temple, Ramses II is not merely a pharaoh but a deified presence, depicted both externally and internally.
Externally, the colossal seated statues of Ramses II stand out, towering at approximately 21 meters, marking some of the most remarkable surviving relics from Ancient Egypt. Situated between the pharaoh’s legs are smaller figures representing his family, including his mother, Tiyi, his beloved wife, Nefertari, and several of his offspring. Over the entrance, a prominent relief of Ra-Horakhti, the Falcon-headed sun god, further emphasizes the temple’s divine associations.
Inside, the layout adopts a simpler design compared to other Egyptian temples. The primary hypostyle room prominently features Ramses II, omnipresent and depicted as Osiris in towering 9-meter statues affixed to pillars. Beyond lies a smaller chamber where his wife, Nefertari, is shown alongside other deities in sacred boats. This inner sanctuary houses seated statues of Ptah, Amun, Ra-Horakhti, and, notably, Ramses II.
This apparent simplicity in design might be attributed to a mystical and awe-inspiring solar phenomenon. The temple’s precise orientation allowed sunlight to penetrate the inner sanctum, illuminating three seated statues, excluding Ptah—a deity often associated with the underworld and darkness.
Experiencing this celestial event firsthand at Abu Simbel is a rare opportunity, occurring only twice a year, initially on February 21 and subsequently on October 21. These dates potentially coincide with Ramses II’s coronation and birth, equidistant from the winter solstice (61 days before and after).
However, due to the Tropic of Cancer’s displacement over millennia and the relocation post-transfer, the precision of this phenomenon has slightly altered by a day. Witnessing this remarkable solar alignment during your visit offers a glimpse into the ancient architectural and astronomical prowess, showcasing the profound symbolism of the temple’s construction.
Temple of Hathor or Nefertari
Situated adjacent to the Temple of Ramses II, the Temple of Hathor at Abu Simbel pays homage to the goddess Hathor, closely associated with the queens of Ancient Egypt. Interestingly, this temple is named after Queen Nefertari, believed to be the primary inspiration behind its creation.
Renowned as Ramses II’s favored wife, Queen Nefertari is considered the central figure in the temple, reflecting a display of profound love and respect. An uncommon sight in Ancient Egyptian architecture, upon entering the temple, one observes Nefertari portrayed at the same colossal height as Ramses II, standing tall at 10 meters. Four of the six colossal statues represent the pharaoh, while two depict the queen.
Internally, the layout echoes simplicity akin to the Temple of Ramses II. Nefertari is repeatedly depicted at the same scale as Ramses II, accompanied by Hathor and other female divinities like Nut. The inner sanctum comprises a hypostyle hall featuring columns adorned with capitals shaped to resemble Hathor with cow’s ears. Additionally, it houses a sanctuary and ancillary chambers, including smaller storage spaces.
While most visitors opt to explore Abu Simbel during the day due to transportation schedules from Aswan, an alternative and highly recommended experience is a nighttime visit. This enchanting endeavor allows for a magical encounter as both temples are specially illuminated, showcasing a captivating spectacle of light and color.
To make this nighttime visit possible, visitors have two options: staying in one of the small hotels in the town of Abu Simbel or embarking on a private cruise on Lake Nasser. This nocturnal exploration offers a unique and mesmerizing perspective, unveiling the temples in an entirely different and enchanting light.
How to get Abu Simbel?
The two revered temples open their doors at six in the morning, offering visitors the chance to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise casting its mythical glow upon the majestic statues of the king. Access to these temples can be attained either by road or via the serene waters of Lake Nasser.
Embarking on a cruise along Lake Nasser offers a delightful exploration, particularly for enthusiasts of peaceful water journeys. One can marvel at various temples from the lake, including Qasr Ibrim, Amon, or Ouadi-es-Seboua, offering a unique perspective of these ancient structures.
For those opting for the convenience of accommodations in Abu Simbel or nearby Aswan, the royal temples are easily reachable by road. Travelers can opt to join a tourist bus, providing a shared experience with fellow visitors while admiring the city’s wonders en route to these magnificent temples.
