Abu Simbel temple dates back 3,200 years and was relocated in the 1960s. 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
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.
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
Related site: Temple of Nefertari- Abu Simbel — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Inside Egypt’s Forbidden Bone Caves: Mummies, Desert Graffiti & Lost Megaliths by Earth Explorer