Abu Simbel - The Great Temple of Ramses II :

Abu Simbel, site of two temples built by the Egyptian king Ramses II (r. 1279–13 BC), now located in  Aswān muḥāfaẓah (governorate), southern Egypt. In ancient times the area was at the southern frontier of pharaonic Egypt, facing Nubia. The four colossal  statues of Ramses in front of the main temple are spectacular examples of ancient Egyptian art. By means of a complex engineering feat in 1960s, temples were salvaged from rising waters of Nile River caused by erection of Aswan High Dam.

Carved out of a sandstone cliff on the west bank of Nile, south of Korosko (modern Kuruskū), temples were unknown to outside world until their rediscovery in 1813 CE, by Swiss researcher Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. They were first explored in 1817 CE, by early Egyptologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni.

The 20m seated figures of Ramses are set against recessed face of cliff, two on either side of entrance to main temple. Carved around their feet are small figures representing Ramses’ children, his queen, Nefertari, and his mother, Muttuy (Mut-tuy, or Queen Ti). Graffiti inscribed on southern pair by Greek mercenaries serving Egypt in 6th Century BC, have provided important evidence of early history of Greek alphabet. Temple itself, dedicated to the sun gods Amon-Re and Re-Horakhte, consists of three consecutive halls extending 56m into cliff, decorated with more Osiride statues of king and with painted scenes of his purported victory at Battle of Kadesh. On two days of year (about February 22 and October 22), first rays of morning sun penetrate whole length of temple and illuminate shrine in its innermost sanctuary. Just to north of main temple is a smaller one, dedicated to Nefertari for worship of goddess Hathor and adorned with 10.5m statues of king and queen.

In mid-20th Century CE, when reservoir that was created by construction of nearby Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge Abu Simbel, UNESCO and Egyptian government sponsored a project to save the site. An informational and fund-raising campaign was initiated by UNESCO in 1959. Between 1963-1968, a workforce and an international team of engineers and scientists, supported by funds from more than 50 countries, dug away top of cliff and completely disassembled both temples, reconstructing them on high ground more than 60m above their previous site. In all, some 16,000 blocks were moved. In 1979, Abu Simbel, Philae and other nearby monuments were collectively  designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

📷© jidekis_gallardo

#archaeohistories

点击图片查看原图