The Kom Ombo Temple, meaning "Golden Hill," was constructed between 205 and 180 BC during the reign of Ptolemy V. Dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility, and Horus, the falcon sky god revered as the protector of royalty, the temple features two distinct but strikingly similar areas dedicated to each deity.
Another significant temple we'll explore is the Edfu Temple, one of the last temples erected during the Ptolemaic period (237-57 BC) to serve as the primary sanctuary for the sky god Horus. Legend has it that the temple was built on the site where Horus vanquished the evil deity Set in the Osiris Myth. The Edfu Temple's architecture and artwork showcase the grandeur of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and practices.
Moving on to Aswan, we'll visit some of its most magnificent attractions:
The High Dam: A testament to Egypt's determination and engineering prowess, the High Dam was constructed between 1960 and 1970 in collaboration with the Hydro Project Institute in Moscow. Its purpose is to regulate Nile floods, generate hydroelectric power, and enhance water storage for agricultural purposes.
Unfinished Obelisk: Located at the entrance of the Karnak temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, also known as "Tekhenu" ("to pierce the sky"), was commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut around 1508-1458 BC. Unfortunately, it remains incomplete due to cracks that appeared during its construction, offering insight into ancient obelisk-making techniques.
Temple of Philae: The Temple of Philae is renowned for its association with the myth of Isis and Osiris, in which the god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris, defeats the evil deity Set to restore prosperity and justice. In the 1960s, the temple was relocated to Agilkia Island as part of a UNESCO-led rescue operation.
After lunch, we'll return to the Nile Cruise and continue our journey to Aswan, often referred to as the "city of eternal