Overview:

The Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel In Egypt is one of the most iconic and spectacular monuments of Ancient Egypt. Situated in the remote south of the country, the temple was built by the great pharaoh in commemoration of his victory at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC. The breathtaking temple complex is situated on the Nile River and consists of four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II, two on either side of a huge doorway, which leads to the inner sanctum. The smaller temple on the western side of the complex was dedicated to his beloved wife Nefertari. Its remarkable facade boasts four statues of Ramesses II, two of which are larger than life. Carved in the majestic sandstone cliffs, the four imposing statues have come to represent the power and grandeur of the once mighty Egyptian empire. Inside, the temple contains a significant amount of wall reliefs and hieroglyphs depicting Ramesses II's many battles and accomplishments. One of the most fascinating features of the temple is its combination of Egyptian and Nubian architectural styles. Though the temple was originally dedicated to Ramesses II, it was later used as a holy site by the Nubian people who inhabited the area. The Abu Simbel Temple has gone down in history as one of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt and provides a tangible glimpse into the past. Once submerged for centuries, today the temple continues to attract visitors from all over the globe. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel in Egypt is perhaps the most famous and recognizable ancient Egyptian temple. The structure was built around 1250 BCE during the reign of the great Pharaoh Ramesses II. The temple was carved out of a sandstone cliff in Nubia and features four colossal statues of Ramesses II standing over 65 feet tall. The temple’s interior walls contain carvings and reliefs depicting the Pharaoh’s military campaigns, royal pursuits, and divine approval. The temple also features a chapel dedicated to the goddess Hathor in which Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari are pictured with their gods. The Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel is an impressive and iconic structure that has stood the test of time with much of its artwork still intact. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel is one of the most famous and iconic monuments in all of Egypt. Built during the reign of the New Kingdom Pharaoh Ramesses II (1279-1213 BC), the rock-cut temple was originally located at the site of Nubian city of Napata before being moved to its current location in the 1960s as part of the UNESCO rescue mission during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The original temple at Abu Simbel was made up of two rock-cut shrines. The first of these temples, the "Small Temple," was built for Ramesses II's wife, Nefertari, and is dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The second temple, the "Great Temple," is dedicated to Ramesses himself and is home to four colossal seated statues of the Pharaoh, carved out of the living rock. The Great Temple of Abu Simbel also features two large stone reliefs depicting the ancient battle of Kadesh between the Egyptians and the Hittites, as well as scenes from the reign of Ramesses II. Inside the temple, one can find many additional smaller rooms, reliefs, and sculptures. The temple is also noted for its stunningly bold artistry and exquisite hieroglyphic inscriptions. The site of the Abu Simbel temples was first discovered in 1813 by a Swiss explorer, but it was not until the1960s, when an international campaign was launched to avoid the flooding of the temple due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, that the temple complex was moved to its current location. The entire relocation project was completed in 1968 and is considered to be one of the most successful rescue operations ever conducted. In 1979, Abu Simbel was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The site continues to be an important example of ancient Egyptian art, history, and culture and continues to draw crowds of visitors each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The two temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel were built during the 19th Dynasty of ancient Egyptian history, which took place between 1292 and 1189 BCE. 2. The Abu Simbel temples were commissioned by Ramesses II to honour himself and his queen, Nefertari. 3. The entrance of the Great Temple was guarded by four colossal statues of Ramesses II, symbolizing his power. 4. On either side of the four statues, exist two more statues, which are believed to represent Ramesses’ sons. 5. The walls of the temple were decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the Battle of Kadesh. 6. The temple is also renowned for its many unique and complexly decorated halls and chambers. 7. Initially, the complex was discovered by a Swiss explorer in 1813, who was followed by a team of Italian archaeologists who performed the first excavations. 8. Abu Simbel was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979, along with the other monuments of the Nubian Monuments area. 9. In 1964, to prevent the temples from being submerged beneath the newly created Lake Nasser, the temples were cut into several blocks and relocated to a higher position. This relocation was led by UNESCO and an international team of engineers, and declared a “miracle in the history of conservation.” One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era