The Abu Simbel Temples
The Best of Southern Sites
In the southernmost part of Egypt stands an amazing sight that seemed to reach to the heavens itself. The Abu Simbel Temples are one of the most famous as well as the largest attractions in Egypt.
Discovery at the Temples of Abu Simbel
The Temple Complex of Abu Simbel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known as the Nubian Monuments. The relocation was done in efforts to save the temples from being submerged after the completion of the Lake Nasser. The Lake Nasser is a gigantic water reservoir made to produce much of Egypt’s energy requirement. The Nubian Monuments is an effort made by many concerned agencies as well as the Egyptian Government to save some of the most amazing ancient structures ever made. To date the Abu Simbel is one of the top tourist destination in Egypt.
The Abu Simbel Temple Complex is made up of two temples constructed by the great Pharaoh Ramesses II during his reign in the 13th century BC. The construction lasted for more than 20 years, and was given the name of Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun. It was carved out of the mountainside to stand as a colossal monument for himself and his favorite wife Nefartari. It is believed that the purpose of this construction was to intimidate Egypt's southern neighbors, and also to reinforce the status of Egyptian religion in the whole Nubian region.
The two temples are known as the Great and Small Temple. The Great Temple is decorated with colossal and lifelike structures, in the image of Ramesses II. The Small Temple meanwhile is adorned with statues of the image of the goddess Hathor and his favorite wife Nefertari. Many historians believe that the statues represent Ramesses II regard to his wife as his and her statues have an equal size.
In the years that followed the temples were lost after being covered with sand. It was then rediscovered by the Swiss explorer, JL Burckhardt. Who when being able to gain access into the temple took everything that he found, thus looting most part of the temples. The legend of Abu Simbel is about a boy who led the explorers into finding these lost temples.
Today the Abu Simbel Temple Complex is one sight in Egypt that shouldn’t be missed. With amazing features, delicate details and one of a kind natural light shows, this site is one of the most visited areas in the whole country.
123EgyptTours.com has interesting itineraries that will let you travel to Abu Simbel whether by land or aboard a cruise. Check with the tours that we have for an Abu Simbel Adventure today!
