the temple of abu simbel,

The Temple of Abu Simbel

Ramesses

abu simbel temple in egypt

Abu Simbel Description

The Temple of Abu Simbel

Inside the temple: The first hall within the temple consists of eight large statues of the king as

Osiris

, four on each side, which also used as pillars to support the roof. The walls are drown in decorations with scenes showing the king in battle, including the great battle of

Kadesh

on the north, and Syrian, Libyan and Nubian wars on the south wall, and also presenting prisoners to the gods. On the north entrance wall in this Hypostyle hall a scene shows

Ramesses

in front of

Amun Ra

, to whom the king appealed during his battle at

Kadesh

against the

Hittites

. Behind the first hall is a second smaller hall with ritual offering scenes. In one of the scenes both

Ramesses

and

Nefertari

are depicted before the holy barque of

Amun Ra

, and in another, before the sacred barque of Ra-Horakhaty. Three doors lead from here into a vestibule, and then one reaches the sanctuary.

the temple of abu simbel,

The Temple of Abu Simbel

The sanctuary contains a small altar and in its rear niche are four statues. These cult images represent

Ramesses II

himself, and the three state gods of the New Kingdom, Ra-Horakhty of Heliopolis, Ptah of Memphis and

Amun Ra

of Thebes. Before the statues rests a block upon which would have rested the holy barque itself The axis of the temple is arranged so that on two days of the year, in February and October, the rising sun shoots its rays through the entrance and halls until it finally highlights the statues. To the north of the main temple a smaller temple was built in honor of "

Ramesses II

" great wife,

Nefertari

, and the goddess

Hathor

. This temple ought not be confused with the beautiful Tomb to

Nefertari

in the Valley of Queens near Thebes. As for

Ramesses

" own temple, the cliff face was cut back to stand for sloping walls of a pylon. Six colossal standing figures 33 feet high four of "

Ramesses

and two of

Nefertari

, were cut from the rock face, along with smaller figures of the royal family.

the temple of abu simbel,

The Temple of Abu Simbel

There are words over the entrance read as "

Ramesses

, he has made a temple, excavated in the mountain, of eternal workmanship, for the chief queen

Nefertari

, beloved of Mu, in Nubia, forever and ever,

Nefertari

for whose sake the very sun does shine. Inside,

Nefertari

"s temple has a single pillared hall, with carved

Hathor

heads at the top the pillars. On the sides to the center of the hypostyle;

Ramesses

is shown overcoming his enemies and offering before various gods.

Nefertari

is shown, graceful and slender, with hands raised. Three doors lead to a vestibule with ancillary rooms at either end. The sanctuary is complete, though two spaces were left on its side walls for doors to rooms, which were never cut.

the temple of abu simbel,