Sun illuminating Ramses II face in Abu Simbel Temple

CAIRO - 21 February 2019: Hussein Abdel Basir, director of the Antiquities Museum at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stated that the sun illuminating the face of King Ramses II in Abu Simbel Temple is proof of how genius the ancient Egyptians were in engineering, astronomy and spirituality.

Abdul Basir added that one of the most beautiful features of the Temple of Abu Simbel is the penetration of the sunbeam to the temple’s main door to shine directly on the face of Ramses II twice each year in a dazzling geometric and astronomical persistence.

The condition of the temple was good until the Nile River levels rose, which began as a result of the construction of the High Dam and Nasser’s Lake. The Nile’s high water level could cause the temple to sink; hence it was necessary to relocate it to keep it from drowning.

The transfer of Abu Simbel Temple was one of the most difficult transfer processes throughout history. The challenge was great for architects and archaeologists alike.

The great Abu Simbel Temple overlooks Nasser Lake offering a magnificent view. The Abu Simbel Temple is considered one of the masterpieces of architecture in ancient Egypt.

The four statues of King Ramses II seated at the top of the temple, symbolize the facade of the temple, which resembles an edifice. Each of these statues is about 22 meters long.