Temple of Maharraqa, Archaeological site in Lower Nubia, Egypt.
The Temple of Maharraqa is an archaeological structure in Lower Nubia, Egypt, with a courtyard measuring about 13.56 meters wide and 15.69 meters long, surrounded by columns on three sides. A spiral staircase inside leads upward and forms the core of the building.
The temple was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus around 23 BCE and marked the southern border of the Roman Empire in Egypt following conflicts with Meroitic forces. It was a symbol of Roman presence and control in the Nubian region.
The temple blends Roman building styles with local traditions as a shrine to the Egyptian deities Isis and Serapis in Nubian religious practice. The architecture shows how Roman and Egyptian cultures met and influenced each other in this region.
The temple was relocated in 1961 from its original site about 4 kilometers away to protect it from flooding caused by the Aswan Dam. Visitors should know that the structure was restored in its new location at New Wadi Sebua and is accessible for viewing.
The structure has an unusual spiral staircase leading to the roof, making it the only known Egyptian temple with this architectural feature. This staircase likely provided access to areas that other temples in the region lacked.
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