Abu Simbel, built around 1264 BC under Ramesses II, is roughly 3,200 years old. It was relocated between 1964-1968 to save it from Aswan Dam flooding. Twice yearly, sunlight reaches a sanctuary 60 meters deep. Some inner statues show less precision, suggesting they may predate the surrounding temple.
Abu Simbel temple dates back 3,200 years and was relocated in the 1960s
EgyptGeneral
Key facts
- Abu Simbel temple is approximately 3,200 years old, built around 1260 BC during the reign of Ramesses II
- The entire temple was relocated between 1960 and 1968 to save it from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam
- Colossal statues were carved from single pieces of stone, with features including 60-meter-deep inner chambers
- Twice a year the sun rises to illuminate the inner sanctum 60 meters deep through a small door (the solar alignment phenomenon)
- Inner statues show less precision than outer ones, suggesting they may be much older than the surrounding temple construction
- Some inner statues resemble the Nuragic figures of Sardinia, with notably large eyes
Site mentioned
Sources
Abu Simbel | History, Temples, Map, & Images | Britannicabritannica.com
Abu Simbel, site of two temples built by the Egyptian king Ramses II (reigned 1279–13 bce), now located in Aswān muḥāfaẓah (governorate), southern Egypt.
Great Temple of Abu Simbel - Institute of Egyptian Art & Archaeologymemphis.edu
Abu Simbel is a temple built by Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 BCE) in ancient Nubia, where he wished to demonstrate his power and his divine nature.
New Kingdom Monuments Abu-Simbelegyptianmuseum.org
It contains two temples, carved into a mountainside, that were built by Pharaoh Ramses II (1303-1213 BCE), also known as Ramses the Great. The larger of the ...
Working Together: Abu Simbel - UNESCO World Heritage Centrewhc.unesco.org
The Great Temple, fronted by four colossal 21-metre statues of Ramses II, is particularly awe-inspiring. Carved out of solid rock in the 13th century BCE, it ...
Who Built Abu Simbel? History, Construction & Facts - Visit Egyptvisitegypt.com
Extremely old-over three thousand two hundred years, Abu Simbel temples were built; construction began around 1264 B.C. and was completed around ...
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