Egypt celebrates National Day of Qena on March 3

CAIRO – 3 March 2021: On March 3, Egypt celebrates the National Day of Qena. On this occasion, ET shed light on the most important archaeological site in this upper Egyptian governorate; The dazzling Temple of Dendera.

The Temple of Dendera is one of the most beautiful and complete ancient Egyptian temples rebuilt in the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.

Some texts refer to its construction in the era of the Sixth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, but the current edifice dates back to 54 years BC.

The temple was dedicated to the goddess Hathor, goddess of love, beauty and music with her spouse Horus, God of Edfu, and their son, Ihy, God of music. 

The most important scenes are that of Cleopatra VII with her son Caesaron, as well as the holy wedding feast known as the beautiful encounter in which Hathor goes by the river every year to visit her husband Horus in his temple in Edfu.

What distinguishes the temple is its astronomical scenes, especially what is inscribed on the ceiling of the Hypostyle Hall, which represents the celestial constellations and the sun’s journey from sunrise to sunset. 

The view above represents the moon’s journey from its disappearance to its fullness. The moon is the healing of the eye of Horus, which he lost during his struggle with the evil god Set.