History of Abu Simbel temples
The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples located in the southern part of Egypt’s Nubian region, near the Sudanese border. The temples were carved out of a sandstone cliff during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, who ruled from 1279 to 1213 BC. The temples were constructed to commemorate the victory of Pharaoh Ramesses II over the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh.
The larger of the two temples is dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II, while the smaller temple, located around 100 meters north of the Great Temple, is dedicated to his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.
Abu Simbel temples tour
The Abu Simbel temples tour is a must-have experience for any travelers exploring Egypt. The tour usually consists of a comfortable coach ride from Aswan to Abu Simbel, which takes around three hours. The journey passes through the desert landscape of Nubia, where visitors can see various traditional Nubian villages and lifestyles.
Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the temples, which includes an explanation of the various hieroglyphics and reliefs used to decorate their walls. Every year, on the days of the solstice, the sun’s rays penetrate through a small aperture, casting a beam onto the sculptures of the Pharaohs inside the temple.
The tour also includes a visit to the visitor center, which displays a collection of artifacts recovered during the excavation and restoration of the temples. Visitors can learn more about the construction and history of the temples through the exhibits, which include pottery, sculptures, and various statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II.
Challenges of Abu Simbel temples
One of the major challenges that the Abu Simbel temples faced was the threat of submersion due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. The rising waters of the Nile would have submerged both temples underwater, which would have resulted in the loss of these historic monuments forever.
Fortunately, the temples were dismantled and relocated, block by block, to an artificial hill created by the Egyptian government. The entire project of moving the temples took around four years, from 1964 to 1968, and cost around $36 million USD. However, this project ensured that both temples were saved for future generations to enjoy.
Future Opportunities
The Abu Simbel temples can be a major attraction for tourism in Egypt. The country has recently made efforts to revitalize its tourism industry, which was struggling in the wake of the political turmoil and unrest that followed the Arab Spring protests.
Apart from the regular tours of the temples, new opportunities can be explored, such as photography workshops, traditional Nubian cooking lessons, and camel rides through the desert surrounding the temples. Moreover, with the use of modern technology, such as virtual reality headsets, visitors can experience the temples in ways that were not possible before. For a comprehensive learning experience, we recommend this external resource filled with additional and relevant information. Egypt pyramids tour, discover new viewpoints on the topic covered.
Conclusion
The Abu Simbel temples are a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Although they faced numerous challenges over the years, the temples stand tall to this day, inviting visitors from around the world to explore their history and beauty. The future of the Abu Simbel temples looks bright, with new opportunities to enhance the experience of the visitors and bring a new era of tourism to Egypt.
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