Location: Lake Nasse Map
Abu Simbel temple complex Archaeological Site is
located on the shores of the lake Nasser in Egypt.
Temple at Abu Simbel was entirely carved out of rock
in the XIII century BC. This religious complex was
dedicated to gods as a gratitude for the victory of
Pharaoh Ramses II over the Hittites. On the facade
of the temple tower four colossal statues of Ramses
II, seated on his throne, complemented by carvings
captives, symbolizing the union of Egypt. The temple
of Abu Simbel consists of four rooms with adjacent
rooms on the sides. In the hypostyle hall visitors
are greeted by god Osiris, with staff with a hook in
one hand and a whip in another, topped by a crown.
Both symbols, whip and a staff, were taken from
daily life of shepherds. It was believed pharaoh had
to tend for his herd of subjects and take care of
them. The reliefs in the Hall of Ramses II depict
defeated enemies of Egypt and religious observation
of a deity.
As you go deeper in the
last and smallest chamber of the underground temple
you will find four stone statues of the gods Amun,
Ra, Ptah, as well as most of Ramses II. The last
statue was probably destroyed by vandals during one
of the local uprising against the rule of pharaoh.
Interestingly the statues of the gods are well
preserved. If you visit the temple in Abu Simbel on
February 22 or October 22 you will see how the sun
will shine directly through all four chambers and
hit the face of the Ramses II. The rest of the time
in direct sunlight does not penetrate the last room.
There is still no explanation why these days were
important in the lives of legendary warrior pharaoh
and Ancient Egyptians. It might be a date of his
victory, or his birthday, or some other religious
holiday.
