Abu Simbel
Jan 20th, 2007 by Lee (admin)
Located on the west bank of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel is a collection of 2 massive rock temples.
Dedicated to the glory of pharaoh Ramses II, the temples are officially dedicated to the trio of Amon-Ra, Ptah and Ra-Harakhte. However, the front became dominated by four gigantic statues of the great pharaoh himself. Self promotion was a trait that Rameses II was well known for.
Rameses II began construction of Abu Simbel around 1284 BC. The project took about 20 years to complete and was one of six rock temples constructed By Rameses in Nubia. Abu Simbel is actually located upon the site of a much older shrine of a local personification of the god Horus.
The colossi of the king shows Rameses II wearing the characteristic nemes headcloth and double crown of upper and lower Egypt. The statues are more than 35 metres wide and 30 metres high.
Behind Rameses II’s legs you will notice smaller carvings, depicting just a few of the great many wives and children he is known to have had. Above the entrance to the temple stands a figure of the god Re-Harakhte in a small niche. The top of the facade is crowned by a row of baboons.
The central entrance of the temple leads into a large hall with massive pillars, fronted by Osiris figures of the king. The temple is aligned in such a way that it becomes basked in sun rays on the back wall of the innermost chamber, thus illuminating the statues of the four gods. This wonderous sight can be seen on the 22nd February and 22nd October each year.