Edfu | The Temple of Horus

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Edfu | The Temple of Horus

05 16, 2023

The Edfu Temple

The Temple of Edfu is located in Edfu, in Upper Egypt, on the western side of the Nile. In Latin, the city was known as Apollonopolis Magna in honor of the primary deity Horus, who was linked to Apollo in Greek understanding. It ranks as one of the most well-maintained temples in Egypt. The temple was built between 237 and 57 BC while the Ptolemaic Kingdom was in power. The inscriptions found on its walls provide important insights into language, mythology, and religion in Egypt during the Hellenistic period. The written inscriptions found in the Temple provide details regarding its construction and also include legends about temples as the origins of creation. Important moments and writings that illustrate the eternal rivalry between Horus and Seth are also present in the Sacred Drama. The translation of them is done by the Edfu-Project.

Edfu was among several temples built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom, such as the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. The magnitude reflects the extent of wealth at that time. The building of the present temple began on August 23, 237 BC and consisted of a hall with columns, two halls running across, and a sanctuary for boats with chapels around it. The building's construction started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and was completed in 57 BC under the rule of Ptolemy XII Auletes. The present temple honoring Horus was built on the site where a previous, smaller temple stood. Nevertheless, the old temple was oriented in an east-west direction rather than a north-south orientation like the new temple. Discoveries near the present temple include a ruined eastern pylon indicating a construction project for New Kingdom kings Ramesses I, Seti I, and Ramesses II.

The naos of Nectanebo II is located in the inner sanctuary.

The temple of Edfu ceased to be utilized for religious activities following the ban on non-Christian worship by Theodosius I in 391, resulting in the oppression of pagans. Similar to elsewhere, Christians who rose to power in Egypt vandalized numerous carved reliefs in the temples. It is believed that the scorched ceiling in the hypostyle hall, visible to this day, resulted from a deliberate fire aimed at destroying pagan religious symbols.

Over time, the temple was buried under 12 meters (39 ft) of shifting desert sand and river silt from the Nile. The people who live around there built their houses directly on top of where the old temple used to be. In 1798, the temple pylons were only partially visible to a French expedition that discovered the temple. French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette started the process of digging out the Edfu temple from the sand in 1860.

The Temple of Edfu is well-maintained and acts as a great example of an ancient Egyptian temple. Because of its significance in archaeology and its well-preserved condition, this site has become a top tourist attraction in Egypt and a frequent stop for many Nile river cruises. A visitor center and paved parking lot were added in 2005 to enhance access to the temple. In late 2006, a lighting system was put in place to allow for nighttime tours.

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The Temple of Edfu is very important.

because it brilliantly captures the combination of ancient Egypt's Pharaonic culture with Ptolemaic culture. Inscriptions on its walls provided useful information about religion, language, and mythology during the Hellenistic period in Egypt and that was useful.

When to go to the Temple of Horus It would be most comfortable for visitors who want to explore without having to worry too much about heat fatigue to visit Edfu in late spring (April to May), when temperatures are gentler than other periods of the year. Additionally, because these months coincide with school breaks, many families decide to travel during these times so they can enjoy their getaway without being concerned about crowding brought on by several youngsters going on field trips.

Many different types of people are drawn to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, including those who are interested in ancient Egyptian history or architecture, those seeking out a distinctive cultural experience, and others who just want to see a stunning location with an intriguing history.

Aswan, a strategic and commercial hub in southern Egypt, boasts significant archaeological sites like the Philae temple complex, the Nubian Museum, the Aswan Botanical Garden, the Temple of Isis, the Third Dynasty Temple of Khnum, Monastery of St. and Simeon's Island

The Temple of Edfu, also known as the Temple of Horus, is an ancient Egyptian temple in Edfu, Egypt. It is one of the best-preserved in the country and offers visitors a glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious practices and architecture. The temple complex includes the main temple, pylons, courts, halls, and chapels. Visitors can admire the intricately carved facade and entrance, the vast Hypostyle Hall with its intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, and the sanctuary, which houses the shrine dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. The temple also offers guided tours and sound and light shows to enhance visitors' understanding. The surrounding area offers beautiful views of the Nile River.

The famous Temple of Horus is also known as "Edfu Temple" and is located in the city of Edfu, about 100 kilometers south of Aswan, Egypt. The Temple of Horus was built in ancient times by the pharaohs during the Thirteenth Dynasty, and was rebuilt and expanded later during different pharaonic eras.

The Temple of Horus is one of the most important pharaonic temples in Egypt, dedicated to the worship of the god Horus, who was considered the god of war, protection, and the sun in ancient Egyptian religion. The temple is characterized by its magnificent architectural design and beautiful artistic carvings depicting battles, religious rituals, and many Pharaonic myths.

The Temple of Horus in Edfu is one of Egypt's prominent tourist sites, attracting visitors from all over the world to explore this fascinating cultural and historical landmark.

Aswan is one of the most important coastal cities in Egypt and contains many tourist attractions such as Abu Simbel, the High Dam, Philae Temple, Obelisk, and Nuweiba Village.

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