Abu Simbel tour

Abu Simbel is a stunning temple complex carved into a rock cliff in southern Egypt, near the Nile River’s second cataract. The complex features two main temples: the Great Temple and the Small Temple. Ramesses II built these temples during his reign, around 1279 to 1213 BCE. Scholars debate the exact dates, but construction likely occurred between 1264 and 1244 BCE. Ramesses II commissioned the Great Temple to celebrate his victory over the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE.

The builders took about twenty years to complete the temples. The Great Temple honors the gods Ra-Horakty, Ptah, and the deified Ramesses II. The Small Temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, Ramesses’ favorite wife. The name “Abu Simbel” comes from a local boy who led the Swiss explorer Burckhardt to the site in 1813 CE. Giovanni Belzoni, however, uncovered the temples in 1817 CE. We still do not know the original name of the site.

The Temples

The Great Temple rises 98 feet (30 meters) high and stretches 115 feet (35 meters) long. Four colossal statues of Ramesses II, each 65 feet (20 meters) tall, stand at the entrance. Smaller figures of defeated enemies and various gods flank these statues. Inside, the walls show Ramesses and Nefertari worshiping the gods. Engravings detail the Battle of Kadesh, depicting battle preparations, the Egyptian camp, and Ramesses fighting with divine help.

The Small Temple reaches 40 feet (12 meters) high and extends 92 feet (28 meters) long. It displays six statues on the front: four of Ramesses II and two of Queen Nefertari. Unusually, Nefertari appears at the same size as Ramesses, emphasizing her importance. This dedication to a wife is rare in ancient Egyptian history.

A Sacred Site

Before the temples, people considered Abu Simbel sacred to the goddess Hathor. Ramesses II chose this location to boost his divine status. The temples align so that, twice a year, on 21 February and 21 October, the sun shines directly into the Great Temple, illuminating the statues of Ramesses and Amun. These dates may match Ramesses’ birthday and coronation. Unlike other sites aligned with the sun, the temple never lights up Ptah’s statue, reflecting his role as a god of the underworld.

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