What was the purpose of Abu Simbel?

The main goal behind construction was to celebrate the victory of Ramses II that was established during the Hittites at Kadish battle in 1274 B.C. The temple was dedicated to a number of ancient Egyptian gods such as Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amon.

What is so special about Abu Simbel?

The site of Abu Simbel is one of the most recognizable ancient sites in Egypt. For 3,000 years, it sat on the west bank of the Nile River, between the first and second cataracts of the Nile. Built in 1244 B.C., Abu Simbel contains two temples, carved into a mountainside.

What are two facts about Abu Simbel?

Top 10 Facts about Abu Simbel Temple

• Construction of the temples began in the 13th century.
• Abu Simbel temple was dedicated to the sun gods.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Queen Nefertari was King Ramses II favourite wife.
• The Abu Simbel temple was relocated.
• It was forgotten until the 19th century.

How did Unesco save Abu Simbel?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) rushed to save Abu Simbel: the temple was taken apart piece by piece, and moved to a site where it was reassembled like a giant Lego construction.

What was the purpose of the Abu Simbel temples?

The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th Dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. They serve as a lasting monument to the king Ramesses II.

Why was Ramses the great statue moved to Abu Simbel?

The statue of Ramses the Great at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel is reassembled after having been moved in 1967 to save it from flooding. The collapsed colossus of the Great Temple supposedly fell during an earthquake shortly after its construction. On moving the temple, it was decided to leave it as the face is missing.

Are there any other things to do in Abu Simbel?

There is literally no other things to do in Abu Simbel save visiting the temple of Ramses II. True enough, there are a couple of other Nubian temples in between Abu Simbel and Aswan, but these are best explored on a cruise ship (just in case: check out my review of the fantastic Oberoi Zahra – the best cruise ship on the Nile river)

What was the relationship between Egypt and Abu Simbel?

“The waxing and waning of Egypt’s strength can be traced through its relations with Nubia. When strong kings ruled a united land, Egyptian influence extended into Nubia; when Egypt was weak, its southern border stopped at Aswan,” writes Egyptologist Zahi Hawass in his book “The Mysteries of Abu Simbel” (American University in Cairo Press, 2000).