Abu Simbel in Egypt - ancient temples
Location show on map
Egypt
Date of build
Ok. 1260 BC
- Building type: Temple
- Architectural style: Ancient Egyptian
- Material: Rock, stone
-
Height: 33 m - facade
There are two temples in Abu Simbel. In addition to the large one with 20-meter statues, it is even smaller. It was built by the Pharaoh Ramses II and they are undoubtedly the greatest works of the lustful ruler.
In front of the main temple there are four seated figures of the pharaoh. Inside there are eight of his statues. The temple is carved into the rock at a depth of 60 meters, and its rooms are decorated with precious wall paintings and reliefs. The smaller façade is decorated with three 10-meter statues of Pharaoh and his wife Nefertari.
After the decision to pile up the Nile, it was decided to transport the building and re-assemble it in a safe place. Soon, 807 meters of blocks from the main temple and 235 meters from the smaller one, and nearly 7,000 rock blocks framing both temples were located on the prepared landfill. The transfer was completed in 1966, and the place where the temples were located has been flooded for a long time.
" We found ourselves in a complicated position, where in every direction you had to climb the rocks around you and suddenly you are standing in front of four giants, and that strange company makes you uneasy. the feet are placed on plinths, you do not reach them even to the ankles, they sit calmly in two pairs on both sides of the entrance, the frame does not reach their knees, everything is carved into the rock. "- Julius Meier-Graefe
Photo gallery Add photo
Location on map / How to get there


Comments to Abu Simbel (82) Average rating: 4,0 Add comment / Rate building
Based on 82 comments