|
www.angelstravel-eg.com
Construction
Construction of the temple complex started in approximately
1244 BC and lasted for about 20 years, until 1224 BC.
Known as the "Temple of Ramses, beloved by Amun", it was one of six rock temples
erected in Nubia during the long reign of Ramses II.
Their purpose was to impress Egypt's southern neighbors, and also to reinforce the
status of Egyptian religion in the region.
Historians say that the design of Abu Simbel expresses a bit of ego and pride in
Ramses II.
Two Rock temples
Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive
rock temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser about 290 km southwest
of Aswan.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments", which
run from Abu Simbel downriver to Philae (near Aswan)..
The Twin temples
The twin temples were originally carved out of the
mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as
a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari, to commemorate his alleged
victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and to intimidate his Nubian neighbors.
However, the complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, on an artificial
hill made from a domed structure, high above the Aswan dam reservoir.
Abu Simbel remains one of Egypt's top tourist attractions.
Preview Gallery
The name and overall content are © 2010 to Angels Travel compnay
and all
rights are reserved
|