The Temple at Edfu (Horus Temple)
Egypt's Best Preserved Temple
Located in the riverside town of Edfu, a part of Upper Egypt just south of the famous Luxor and Esna, Horus Temple is the second largest temple complex in Egypt as well as one of the best preserved. With its intricate details, visitors are treated to a first hand experience of the ancient life.
History of the Temple
The Horus Temple at Edfu is one of the best examples of the ingenuity and architectural triumph of the ancient Egyptians. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the temple shows us much about the ancient worship and rituals of ancient Egyptians. It was built for a period of time during the Ptolemaic Dynasty. For sometime this massive complex housed some of the most complex worship rituals by ancient religions.
In the years that followed however non-Christian worship was banned by Theodosius I, a Roman conqueror in 391 AD. The rule caused the massive destruction of many of the temple, including sculptured artifacts and other pieces of worship to the falcon god. Evidence of the ruthless destruction is visible to this day with part of the hypostyle hall’s ceiling partly burnt.
Additionally with it’s location near the Nile River, yearly flooding also contributed to the destruction of the temple complex. Eventually the temple was buried to a depth of around 39ft. Which was at the most saying, forgotten in time as new developments like homes and a new age of civilization was built on top of it.
Ironically the sand and stilt that covered the temple contributed to its pristine condition today. Later with the retrieval and reconstruction projects the temple was excavated and freed making the Edfu temple once again accessible to the whole world.
Horus Temple Today
The Temple at Edfu today is a sight to behold with its massive pylons, measuring up to 36 meters high, and the intricate hieroglyphics decorating its walls. It is one of the best preserved monuments in Egypt to date.
The pylons that adorn the temple is additionally decorated with detailed inscriptions, sculptures depicting Ptolemy XII defeating most of his enemies. One thing that visitors shouldn’t miss is the twin granite massive falcon monuments guarding the entrance to the temple.
The Temple in Edfu is accessible via bus or cruise, and its exhibits are open whole year round for visitors to enjoy.
Visit the Horus Temple whenever you join any of the cruises available.
