Six Facts to know Abu Simble Temple

CAIRO – 22 October 2017: Today marks solar alignment over at Abu Simbel Temple. Egypt Today provides readers with the top facts they need to known about Abu Simbel Temple.

1-Construction

Abu Simble Temple was constructed by the most celebrated Ancient Egyptian king Ramses II. The process of construction began in Aswan.

The temple was mainly cut into a solid rock cliff. The main goal behind construction was to celebrate the victory of Ramses II that was established during the Hittites at Kadish battle in 1274 B.C.

2- Purpose of Abu Simbel

The temple was dedicated to a number of ancient Egyptian gods such as Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amon.


Inside the Temple [Photo: Pinterest]

3- What is found on Abu Simbel comples

Abu Simble complex mainly contains two main temples:

The Grand Temple that stands 30 meters high and 35 meters long featurting four seated colossi at the entrance of King Ramses II on his throne.

It also contains a number of paths and rooms. Scripts could be found written on the walls about Ramses’ II military victories, his personal life alongside portrayals of Ancient Egyptian gods.

The Small Temple was constructed for the Egyptian Queen Nefertari, Ramses II most favorite wife.

Located 150 meters far away from the Grand Temple, the Small Temple has a front featuring four great seated colossi, two of Ramses II and two of Nefertari.

The walls of this temple display images of Ramses and Nefertari while they’re praying to the gods.



The Temple Inside [Photo Pinterest]


4- Discover of Abu Simbel

It was first explored in 1817 by the early Egyptologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni, then Swiss researcher Johann Ludwig Burckhardt managed to further explore the temples.


Temples Old Site [Photo: Pinterest]


5- Abu Simbel Astrological - Archaeological Mystery

The Solar alignment over the Grand temple is one of the Ancient Egypt phenomenons.

The rays of the sun penetrate into the temple and lightening the three statues for Ramses II and Amon twice a year; once in February 22 celebrating agriculture and cultivation season, and the second in October 22 celebrating flooding season. Both dates also reflect the date of Ramses II birth and his coronation.

The location of the four statues was chosen so they would darken because Ptah was the god of darkness.


Solar Alignment [Photo: Pinterest]


6- Saving Abu Simble

In 1964, the Egyptian government has cooperated with UNESCO and decided to move the temples saving them from Nile Water due to High Dam.


Temple Saving [Photo: Pinterest]