World Travel with Bob: Upper Egypt and Abu Simbel

The easiest way to reach Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Aswan, is via a 40 minute plane trip. The coach drive to Abu Simbel from the local airport is only about ten minutes.

Abu Simbel is located on the bank of Lake Nasser. The two temples, monuments to Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, were carved into rock in 1265 BC during the reign of Ramses II. The construction of Aswan Dam, which placed a dam on the Nile River, required temple relocation as the original placement would have been submerged under Lake Nassar. From 1964 to 1968, the temples were cut into large blocks and raised over 210 feet higher and over 650 feet away from the Nile.

Great Temple of Abu Simbel

This large temple is dedicated to the gods Amun Ra, Re Horakhty and Ptah. The single entrance is flanked by four 66 foot tall statues of Ramses II. Family members are reflected at his feet. One of the Ramses II statues, damaged during an earthquake, was not restored. The head and torso were placed at the statue's feet.

There are several chambers within this temple, all decorated with carvings depicting military battles, linkage of Ramses II to the God Osirus and offerings to the Gods. The military scenes are from the battles between Ramses II and both the Hittites and Syrians.

Abu Simbel is different from other temples as it was carved in rock, rather than built with rock.The chambers extend 150 into the rock and, twice a year, the sun rays reach the inner sanctuary for about twenty minutes. Within this inner sanctuary, the statues of Ramses II, Re Horakhty and Amun Ra are illuminated by the sun during this ocurrence. The statue of Ptah, god of darkness, remains in the shadows all year round.

Why was Abu Simbel originally constructed in this location, along the Nile River? Historians suggest that this area was a critical trade route and near the source of Nubian gold mines. Imposing temples and statues reinforce the strength of the pharaoh and discourage challengers.

Temple of Hathor and Nefertari

Next to the Great Temple, entry to this smaller temple is flanked by six statues of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. This was the second time in ancient Egypt history that a temple was dedicated to a queen. The interior carved panels reflect the queen together with the gods Horus, Khum, Knonsu, Thoth, Hathor, Isis, Maat, Mut, Satis and Taweret.