The Abu Simbel temples are remarkable ancient structures located in Nubia, southern Egypt, about 230 km southwest of Aswan and near the Sudanese border. These temples were carved into the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century B.C. (19th Dynasty). Built to honor Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari, these monuments symbolize the king’s legacy and commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Discovered in 1817 by Egyptologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni, the temples were relocated in 1968 to avoid submersion during the creation of Lake Nasser.

In this guide, you’ll learn about:

  1. Description of the Abu Simbel Temples
  2. The Great Temple of Ramses II
  3. The Small Temple of Queen Nefertari
  4. The Relocation Process of Abu Simbel Temples
  5. Interesting Facts About the Abu Simbel Temples

The Description of Abu Simbel Temples

Construction of the Abu Simbel Temples began in 1264 B.C. and lasted for two decades. The temples were built to impress Egypt’s southern neighbors and to reinforce the pharaoh’s divine status. The entrance to the temple complex features towering 20-meter statues of Ramesses II, with smaller statues of his children, wife Nefertari, and mother Muttuy carved around them. Graffiti found on the temple walls has provided valuable evidence of the early Greek alphabet. The Abu Simbel complex is divided into two temples: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari.

The Great Temple of Ramses II

The Great Temple was dedicated to the sun gods Amon-Re, Ptah, and Re-Horakhty. Its front facade boasts four seated colossi, each depicting Ramesses II seated on a throne, wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The interior structure mirrors that of other ancient Egyptian temples, with numerous rooms and chambers. One of the main chambers is a hypostyle hall, standing 18 meters tall and featuring eight colossal pillars depicting Ramesses II linked to the god Osiris. The second hall contains four pillars adorned with scenes of the pharaoh making offerings to the gods.

The Small Temple of Queen Nefertari

Located about 100 meters northeast of the Great Temple, the Small Temple of Queen Nefertari is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramesses II’s favorite wife, Nefertari. Nefertari was the second queen in Egyptian history to have a temple built in her honor, following Queen Nefertiti. The temple features statues of the queen, each standing over two meters tall, alongside depictions of Ramesses II. The hypostyle hall is supported by six pillars and is followed by a vestibule with three large doorways. The temple walls show Ramesses and Nefertari offering gifts to the god Horus.

The Relocation of the Abu Simbel Temples

In 1959, as the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the temples under the waters of Lake Nasser, an international effort was launched to save these ancient monuments. The relocation project began in 1964, led by UNESCO and executed by expert archaeologists and engineers. The entire complex was cut into large blocks, dismantled, and moved 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the Nile River. The relocation process cost $40 million and is considered one of the greatest feats of archaeological engineering.

Interesting Facts About Abu Simbel Temples

  • The temples were built primarily to commemorate Ramesses II’s victory at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 B.C.
  • They were dedicated to several ancient Egyptian gods, including Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah.
  • The complex consists of two temples: the Great Temple and the Small Temple.
  • Discovered in 1817 by Giovanni Battista Belzoni, the temples were further explored by Swiss researcher Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
  • A remarkable phenomenon occurs at the Great Temple during the solar alignment, which takes place twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, marking the birth and coronation dates of Ramesses II.
  • Nefertari is the only one of Ramesses’ wives to have a temple dedicated to her.
  • The temples are adorned with intricate carvings, colossal statues, and architectural marvels that captivate visitors.
  • Abu Simbel is the second-largest man-made tourist attraction in ancient Egypt, after the Pyramids.

These magnificent temples stand as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt and the legacy of Ramesses II.