Edfu | The Temple of Horus

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Edfu | The Temple of Horus

05 16, 2023

The Temple of Edfu

The Temple of Edfu is situated in Edfu, Upper Egypt, on the west bank of the Nile. The city was referred to as Apollonopolis Magna in Latin, honoring the main deity Horus, who was associated with Apollo in Greek interpretation. It is among the most well-preserved temples in Egypt. The temple was constructed during the rule of the Ptolemaic Kingdom from 237 to 57 BC. The writings on its walls offer crucial details about language, myth, and religion in Egypt during the Hellenistic era. The Temple's written texts give information on how it was built and also contain myths about temples being the Island of Creation. Important scenes and inscriptions depicting the timeless conflict between Horus and Seth can also be found in the Sacred Drama. The Edfu-Project is responsible for translating them.

Edfu was one of many temples constructed in the Ptolemaic Kingdom, which also included the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. The size is indicative of the level of prosperity during that period. Construction of the current temple started on August 23, 237 BC and included a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary with surrounding chapels. Construction of the building began when Ptolemy III Euergetes was in power and was finished in 57 BC with Ptolemy XII Auletes as ruler. The current temple, dedicated to Horus, was constructed on the location where an older, smaller temple was built. However, the previous temple was positioned east-west instead of north-south like the new temple. Evidence of a building program for New Kingdom rulers Ramesses I, Seti I, and Ramesses II has been discovered near the current temple in the form of a destroyed pylon to the east.

The inner sanctuary houses a naos belonging to Nectanebo II, an artifact from a previous structure, while the barque sanctuary of the temple is enclosed by nine chapels.

The temple of Edfu stopped being used for religious purposes after Theodosius I prohibited non-Christian worship in the Roman Empire in 391, leading to the persecution of pagans. Like in other places, followers of Christianity who became dominant in Egypt destroyed many of the temple's carved reliefs. It is thought that the burned ceiling in the hypostyle hall, which can still be seen today, was caused by a deliberate fire meant to eradicate pagan religious symbols.

Throughout time, the temple became covered by 12 meters (39 ft) of moving desert sand and deposits of river silt from the Nile. The residents living nearby constructed houses right on top of the old temple site. In 1798, only the top parts of the temple pylons could be seen, as a French expedition recognized the temple. French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette initiated the project of excavating the Edfu temple from the sand in 1860.

The Temple of Edfu is almost completely preserved and serves as a fine representation of an ancient Egyptian temple. Its importance in archaeology and excellent state of conservation has turned it into a popular tourist destination in Egypt and a regular visit for the numerous Nile river cruises. In 2005, the temple's access was improved by adding a visitor center and a paved parking lot. A lighting system was installed in late 2006 to enable evening 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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