Soleb, Archaeological site in Nubia, Sudan

Soleb is a sandstone temple built by Amenhotep III on the west bank of the Nile in Nubia, the southernmost temple known to have been founded by this pharaoh. Its central portal is formed by two thick rectangular pillars joined by a horizontal lintel, with a lower broken wall to the left and four square-sectioned columns with projecting capitals to the right. The architect may have been Amenhotep, son of Hapu.

Amenhotep III founded the sandstone temple at Soleb, the southernmost known temple of his reign, dedicated to Amun-Re and to the king shown deified with ram horns; the architect may have been Amenhotep, son of Hapu. Akhenaten later rededicated it to Aten, and Tutankhamun restored Amun-Re and finished a granite lion inscribed with his name. Karl Richard Lepsius described the site in 1844, and Michela Schiff Giorgini excavated there from 1957 to 1963.

The temple walls display hieroglyphic inscriptions showing royal ceremonies and religious rituals of ancient Egypt. These carvings reveal how the ruling powers used this place to demonstrate their connection to the gods.

Soleb lies on the west bank of the Nile, about 500 km south of Aswan between the second and third cataracts, reached by desert track from the nearest town. The excavated sector IV of the hypostyle hall was long buried under sand, so expect open, unshaded ground and carry all water and sun protection with you.

The hypostyle hall columns contain carved records of foreign territories and peoples captured during military campaigns of the time. These inscribed names and images offer a rare glimpse into the warfare and territorial expansion of that era.