The Temple of Philae and Ancient Egyptian Heritage
The World Heritage Site “Nubian Landmarks from Abu Simbel to Philae” includes many archaeological sites such as the Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel and the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, which were saved from drowning due to the construction of the High Dam. Egypt Travel Packages often include visits to these incredible sites as part of a rich historical experience.
The original location of the Nubia World Heritage Site monuments was in front of the second waterfall, but since the construction of the High Dam, they have been relocated to their current location. Egypt Shore Excursions frequently offer guided trips to these relocated monuments for tourists wishing to witness the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient history.
UNESCO also launched a global campaign to save the sites threatened by the construction of the dam and relocate them to a new site suitable from a safety point of view during the period from 1960 to 1980 AD at a cost of 80 million dollars, as stated by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in which 50 countries participated and ICOMOS contributed. The “Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae” site was registered on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. Egypt Day Tours often include a visit to these remarkable sites.
Abu Simbel Temple The Abu Simbel site includes two temples, the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, which was dedicated to the worship of “Ra Hor Ikhti” and “Amun Ra” Ptah and the king himself, and the Little Temple of Abu Simbel, which is located 100 meters from the first temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, the main wife of the king. Egypt Travel Packages that focus on southern Egypt frequently offer tours to Abu Simbel for an unforgettable experience.
The importance of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel is due to its association with the phenomenon of the perpendicularity of the sun on the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II twice a year; the first coincides with the anniversary of his birth day on October 22 and the second on February 22, the day of his coronation. Egypt Shore Excursions often arrange for tourists to witness this spectacular event.
Philae Temple The ruins of Philae include many buildings dating back to the Ptolemaic era (332-30 BC), most notably the temple begun by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-246 BC), which was dedicated to Isis, the mother of Horus, the goddess of royalty, and there is a scene in the mamizi or birth chamber, where the birth of Horus was celebrated, showing Isis nursing her son Horus in the bush. Egypt Day Tours can provide a detailed journey through Philae, immersing travelers in its history.
The Temple of Isis is considered one of the most continuous ancient Egyptian temples; the temple continued to fulfill its role until the Byzantine King Justinian (527 - 565 AD), who ordered the closure of all pagan temples, where a priest named Ismet-Akhom inscribed the last hieroglyphic text dating back to the fourth century AD (394 AD). The temple was converted into a Christian church, and many of the temple's inscriptions were destroyed. Egypt Travel Packages to Aswan often include a stop at Philae to explore this fascinating temple’s rich heritage.
Latest Articles
Admin
Aswan Governerate in Egypt
One of Egypt's southern governorates is Aswan Governorate. The city of Aswan serves as its capital. At a latitude of 22 north of the equator (also known as the Tropic of Cancer), it is bounded to the north by the Qena Governorate, to the east by the Red Sea Governorate, to the west by the New Valley Governorate, and to the south by the Republic of Sudan.
Admin
Luxor Governorate Egypt
The capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt is Luxor City, which was once known as "Thebes City" because it served as Egypt's capital during the Pharaonic era. It is situated in the South Upper Egypt region, approximately 670 kilometers from the capital Cairo from the south. It is bordered on the north by Qena Governorate, on the south by Aswan Governorate, on the east by Red Sea Governorate, and on the west by New Valley Governorate.
Admin
History of kafr El Sheikh Governorate
Kafr El Sheikh Governorate is an Egyptian governorate, located in the northernmost part of Egypt in the Nile Delta, with Kafr El Sheikh as its capital. It had a population of 3,172,753 in 2015 and an area of 3,748 km². Its entire area is located north of the delta and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The main economic activity of the residents of the governorate is agriculture and fishing, especially the southern lands of the governorate and the lands overlooking the Nile River - Rosetta Branch.
Admin
Egypt's New Administrative Capital
The New Administrative Capital is located between the Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna roads, 60 km from Cairo and the same distance from Ain Sokhna and Suez. The New Administrative Capital is located on the border of Badr City, in the area between the Cairo-Suez and Cairo-Ain Sokhna roads, just after New Cairo, Mostakbal City and Madinaty.
Admin
Al Gharbia Governorate
Gharbia Governorate is one of the governorates full of archaeological sites, whether they are places or facilities (mosques, churches), as the governorate is a destination for visitors to these places throughout the year, whether they are Egyptians from the different governorates.
Admin
Hamata Islands (Qulaan Archipelago) in Marsa Alam
The Hamata area, south of Marsa Alam in the Red Sea, is one of the most important parts of the Wadi El Gemal Reserve, whether in the desert or the sea. It was named after the sorrel plant, which was distorted to Hamata.
