Abu Simbel

The archaeological complex of Abu Simbel (Arabic ??? ???? or ??? ????) comprises two massive rock temples in southern Egypt, on the western bank of Lake Nasser, some 290 km southwest of Aswan. It is part of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO World Heritage Site, which runs from Abu Simbel downriver as far as Philae (near Aswan).

History

Construction

Construction of the temple complex started in approximately 1284 BC and lasted for circa 30 years, until 1264 BC. Known as the "Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun", it was one of six rock temples erected in Nubia during the long reign of Ramesses. Their purpose was to impress Egypt's southern neighbours, and to reinforce the status of Egyptian religion in the region.

Related Topics:
1284 BC - 1264 BC - Amun

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Rediscovery

With the passing of time, the temples became covered by sand. Already in the 6th century BC, the sand covered the statues of the main temple up to their knees. The temple was forgotten until 1813, when Swiss orientalist JL Burckhardt found the top frieze of the main temple.

Related Topics:
6th century BC - 1813 - Swiss - JL Burckhardt - Frieze

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Burckhardt talked about his discovery with Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni, who travelled to the site, but was unable to dig out an entry to the temple. Belzoni returned in 1817, this time succeeding in his attempt to enter the complex. He took everything valuable and portable with him.

Related Topics:
Italian - Giovanni Belzoni - 1817

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Relocation

In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics of this ancient human civilization were under threat from the rising waters of the Nile that were about to result from the contruction of the Aswan High Dam.

Related Topics:
1959 - Monument - Nubia - Aswan High Dam

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The salvage of the Abu Simbel temples began in 1964, and cost some USD $36 million. Between 1964 and 1968, the entire site was dismantled and reassembled in a new location – 65 m higher and 200 m back from the river.

Related Topics:
1964 - USD $ - 1968

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At present-day, thousands of tourists visit the temples daily. Guarded convoys of buses and cars depart twice a day from Aswan, the nearest city. Many visitors also arrived by plane, at an airfield especially constructed for the temple complex.

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