The ancient Egyptians were very interested in details and it was really important to them to immortalize their memory for the next generations, so they built a great legacy that can talk about them for the entire life and built a civilization that fascinates every one letterly.
The creativity and uniqueness of the ancient Egyptians can be witnessed on every artifact and building they left behind.
One of these artifacts is the imposing Abu Simbel Temple, that was built to honor a great King and an amazing love story.
Abu Simbel Temple History
Abu Simbel is an ancient temple complex, originally cut into a solid rock cliff, built by the most celebrated Ancient Egyptian King Ramses II (1279–1213 BCE) in order to celebrate his victory in the battle of Kadesh 1274 BC.
The temple is the most spectacular example of ancient Egyptian art and it contains two temples, the bigger one dedicated to the king Ramses II, and the other of dedicated to his beloved queen Nefertari to show his immortal love to her.
Abu Simbel Temple Relocation
In the mid-20th century, the Egyptians were building the High Dam of Aswan, but the dam was a threat to drown the temple, but with the help of UNESCO organization that helped the Egyptian government to move the monuments completely away from the river, the temple was rescued from the drowning, and thanks to this the temple of Abu Simbel and the temple of Philae that was also a part of the rescue mission the two temples can be witnessed today in Aswan.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
The construction of Abu Simbel and the story behind this construction is not the only thing makes it really special for every architect, mathematician, and every art love there is something else.
Abu Simbel from more than 3000 years ago, every year fascinate the whole world with one of the most unique events in the entire history that what we call it now "The Sun Festival".
The Sun Festival takes place every 22 of October and February that believed to be the days of King Ramses birthday and the day he stood on the throne of Egypt when the sun shines directly into the sanctuary of The Great Temple to illuminate the statues of the four gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ramses II himself Ramses. But the god of underworld Ptah remains in dark like the entire year.
Many travelers visit Egypt to witness such a stunning event every year.
There are countless artifacts like Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt and you can get some of them through our articles about the best places to visit in Luxor and the best places to visit in Cairo.
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