Abu Simbel

The temples of Abu Simbel were carved into the mountainside on the western bank of the Nile River, near the border with Sudan. The main temple was dedicated to Ramses II himself, while the smaller temple adjacent to it was dedicated to his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. The construction of the temples began around 1264 BCE and took approximately 20 years to complete.

The massive statues of Ramses II, seated on thrones at the entrance of the main temple, were meant to showcase his divine status and authority. The facade of the temple was adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of Ramses II's military victories and religious rituals. For centuries, the temples of Abu Simbel stood as a symbol of the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

However, over time, the temples were largely forgotten and buried beneath sand and debris. It wasn't until the 19th century that the temples were rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Further exploration and excavation work was carried out by other archaeologists, including the famous Egyptologist, Jean-Louis Burckhardt.

However, the temples faced a significant threat in the 20th century with the construction of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River. The rising waters of Lake Nasser, which would be created by the dam, posed a risk of submerging the temples completely. To save these ancient treasures, a massive international effort was undertaken in the 1960s. The temples were carefully dismantled, stone by stone, and relocated to a higher elevation, about 65 meters above their original location.

This relocation was a remarkable engineering feat and ensured the preservation of the temples for future generations. Today, the temples of Abu Simbel continue to awe visitors with their colossal statues, intricate carvings, and rich historical significance. They stand as a testament to the power and grandeur of ancient Egypt and serve as a reminder of the efforts undertaken to protect and preserve our shared human heritage.