The Abu Simbel Temple of Egypt is one of the places that tourists visit the most within a year and it is a sign of tradition richer than any other culture. It is one of the iconic places that Egypt has to offer as well because it gives the representation of the tradition and values people have had. It is as famous in the country as the pyramids are and even the death mask of Tutankhamen. If you are planning a visit to Egypt, this is a place you cannot miss out seeing and visiting because there are so many things associated to it you will see nowhere. For the individuals sailing to the Nile River, it becomes even more essential and important.
The Abu Simbel Temple is a really popular place because it comes from an era which is really highlighting and vital in the history. The temple was constructed and built at about 1284BC by Pharaoh Ramesses as the symbol of a monument for himself and for his queen in the victory against the Hittites in the battle of Kadesh. He chose the location of this temple to be at a relative southern side because of the entrance of the route into the Egypt. He wanted to intimidate the Nubian empires which were the neighbors to support and represent his mightiness.
There are two temples which a tourist would be able to see once he visits the Abu Simbel Temple of Egypt; the greater temple and the lesser temple. The greater temple, as the name implies is dedicated to the ancient gods of Egypt and they defined Ramesses himself. There are four colossal statues situated in seated positions each of about 20 meters in height. Looking at the statues, they actually are the depiction of Ramesses himself. These statues are extremely fascinating and attention grabbing to look at because they are carved out of the rocks where they were located. You will also see the other royal family members carved out of the rocks just a little lower to Pharaoh’s knees.
Leading from the greater temple is a hypostyle hall. It is in the form of an elongated chamber supported by pillars from where a vestibule runs leading to the sanctuary. The sanctuary also has four seated statues of Ra Harakhti, the deified Ramesses, Amun Ra and Ptah. The god of darkness, Ptah remains in complete darkness despite the illumination of the sanctuary with the help of sunlight however due to recent reconstructions the phenomenon is miscalculated and isn’t seen so much.
Lesser temple is located at about hundred meters away of the distance from the greater temple being dedicated to the queen and the goddess of Hathor. The statues of the main gateway are depicted in this part of the temple as well.