Built 3,000+ years ago, Abu Simbel's temple stretches 200+ ft into a mountain, guarded by eight 30+ ft statues of Ramesses II as Osiris. Twice yearly (~Feb 22 & Oct 22), sunlight penetrates 200 ft to illuminate three of four statues. In the 1960s, it was cut into 1,000+ blocks and lifted 200 ft to escape Lake Nasser.
Abu Simbel's solar alignment and 1960s relocation to save it from Lake Nasser
Key facts
- Temple stretches more than 200 ft into the mountain, lined with Osiride pillars
- Originally painted in deep red, blue, yellow, emerald green, and white pigments
- Eight colossal statues of Ramesses II as Osiris, over 30 ft tall
- Built more than 3,000 years ago (13th century BC)
- Solar alignment occurs twice yearly (~Feb 22 and Oct 22), sun penetrates 200 ft to illuminate statues of Ramesses II, Amun-Ra, and Ra-Horakhti while Ptah stays in darkness
- Temple was cut into more than 1,000 massive blocks (some over 30 tons) and relocated about 200 ft during the 1960s Aswan High Dam rescue
Sources
Abu Simbelen.wikipedia.org
Solar alignment edit Abu Simbel temple, on October 22 and February 22, the rays of the sun would penetrate the sanctuary and illuminate the sculptures on the ...
the unique biannual solar alignment phenomenon at the temple of ...egymonuments.gov.eg
the unique biannual solar alignment phenomenon at the temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel. From. February 22, 2024 - 10:40 AM. To.
Revealing Abu Simbel Sun Festival Wonders 2026nilecruisers.com
The temples were designed for sunrise on October 22 and February 22, for the rays to reach the inner sanctum of the larger temple, according to ...
Abu Simbel: Ramesses II's Ego Run Wildthenotsoinnocentsabroad.com
The Hathor columns, a popular style at the time, where the pillars are topped with the head of one of the most revered deities in the Egyptian ...
Abu Simbel Temple: A Must-See Wonder in Southern Egyptafroasiantravel.com
Stepping inside reveals vast chambers with massive Osiride pillars, The Great Temple is 30 meters deep. Each statue at the entrance is over 20 meters tall.
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