Temple of Taffeh, Ancient Egyptian temple in Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Netherlands
The Temple of Taffeh is an ancient Egyptian shrine now displayed in a specially designed wing of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden. The structure measures about 6.5 by 8 meters and features two front columns made from square pillars with engaged columns on all four sides.
This shrine was built between 25 BCE and 14 CE under Emperor Augustus as part of the Roman fortress Taphis in Lower Nubia. It emerged during a period when Rome controlled the region and blended local building traditions with its own.
The temple blends Roman and Egyptian architectural styles, reflecting how different cultures coexisted during its creation. Wall carvings show traces of later Christian changes, revealing how the space took on new meanings across different periods.
The shrine stands in its own section of the museum and is easy to locate without wandering through the entire complex. You can visit and view it without purchasing a museum ticket, making it accessible to anyone passing by.
The shrine arrived in the Netherlands in 1960 as a gift from Egypt to recognize Dutch assistance in saving monuments threatened by the Aswan High Dam construction. This generous donation was a major diplomatic gesture acknowledging international cooperation in protecting historical sites.
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