Temples of Abu Simbel, Temple complex in southern Egypt
Abu Simbel is an ancient temple complex in southern Egypt consisting of two rock-cut sanctuaries that stand beside the shore of Lake Nasser. The towering facade of the main temple features four seated colossal statues of Ramesses II, each roughly 20 meters (66 feet) high, while the smaller temple displays six standing figures dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the pharaoh.
King Ramesses II ordered the construction of both temples around 1264 BC to mark the southern border of Egypt and demonstrate his power over Nubia. In the 1960s, the structures were relocated about 65 meters (213 feet) higher and 200 meters (656 feet) inland because of the Lake Nasser project to protect them from rising waters.
The temple walls display elaborate hieroglyphs showing military victories, religious rituals, and scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology and everyday life. Visitors can examine the finely carved reliefs that offer insight into the worldview and symbolic systems of pharaonic Egypt.
The complex is accessible every day, with morning hours offering cooler temperatures and softer light for photography. The site is well developed, but the grounds require some walking over uneven paths and steps in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The main temple was designed so that sunlight illuminates the statues in the inner sanctuary only on February 22 and October 22, dates of astronomical importance. After the relocation, the phenomenon shifted by one day, now occurring on February 21 and October 21, revealing how precise the original alignment was.
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