Abu Simbel: The southernmost relics and temple complex of ancient Egypt (Part – 1)

By Asad Russel –

About Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Egypt:
About 290 kilometers southwest from Aswan along the Nile in southern Egypt two massive rock temples comprising an archaeological site is the Abu Simbel. From Abu Simbel downriver to Philae which run the “Nubian Monuments” of the UNESCO World Heritage Site it is the part.

Into the mountain carved statues of Ramses II of four seated colossal consists at Abu Simbel the Great Temple of Ramses II, in the world among the temple facades one of the boldest forming. The temple is aligned so on February 22 and on October 22 twice a year the Ramses sanctuary to illuminate through the mountain the sun rays can travel.

The history of the Abu Simbel:
In Egypt a 19th dynasty pharaoh was the Ramses II. During the 13th century BC for 67 years he ruled, the Ancient Egypt’s glory and power the apogee. The reign which is extraordinary long, in the state coffers available the wealth, and meant that Ramses personal vanity the pharaoh’s undeniably, the ancient rulers of all, on the country the most indelible mark is perhaps left that. In the archaeological record most clearly can be seen his legacy, that Ramses modified in the many buildings, from the ground up constructed or usurped.

In 1284 BC approximately started the construction work of the temple complex and about 20 years for lasted. The “Temple of Ramesses, by Amun beloved” known as, of Ramesses during the long reign in Nubia erected among the six rock temples it was the one. Egypt’s southern neighbors to impress was the purpose and in the region the status of Egyptian religion to reinforce also.

In sand were covered the temples of time with the passing. Up to their knees of the main temple the statues the sand covered in the 6th century BC already. Until 1813 was forgotten the temple, of the main temple the top frieze found the J.L. Burckhardt who was a Swiss orientalist. With the Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni about his discovery talked the Burckhardt, to the site the explorer travelled, to the temple an entry to dig out unable. In 1817 returned the Belzoni, to enter the complex in his attempt this time he succeeding. With him everything portable and valuable he took.

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

In 1964 was began the salvage for the Abu Simbel temple complex and about $80 million it cost. Into large blocks was cut the entire site between the 1964 and 1968, in a new location reassembled after dismantled, from the river 200 meters back and higher about 65 meters, of archaeological engineering one of the greatest feats many consider as that. Downriver at the island of Philae was undertaken a similar project.

Today daily visit the temples thousands of travelers. From the nearest city the Aswan twice a day depart of buses and cars guarded convoys. By plane also arrive many tourists, for the temple complex which was constructed specially at an airfield.

Will Continue……..

Posted by : Unknown 6:20 PM Tags : Travel Destinations

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