Ramesses II In Abu Simbel
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| Ramesses II In Abu Simbel |
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| Ramesses II In Abu Simbel |
The Great Temple, situated on the west bank of the Nile approximately 290 kilometers southwest of Aswan at Abu Simbel, stands as a crowning achievement of ancient Egyptian architecture. Commissioned by Ramesses II around 1250 BC, this rock-cut temple is the largest among the seven temples he constructed in Nubia and stands as the most awe-inspiring of all Egyptian monuments in the region.
Carved directly into the rock face, the Great Temple at Abu Simbel is a testament to the engineering and artistic prowess of ancient Egypt. Its colossal statues, intricate reliefs, and imposing facade leave visitors in awe of the pharaoh's grandeur and the cultural legacy he sought to immortalize in stone.
The Great Temple's significance transcends its architectural magnificence, serving as a symbol of Ramesses II's authority and his dedication to the deities he revered. Its strategic location on the banks of the Nile further underscores its importance as a religious and political center in ancient Nubia.
For millennia, the Great Temple has stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ramesses II and the timeless allure of ancient Egyptian civilization, captivating travelers and scholars alike with its monumental grandeur and historical significance.
The temple remained hidden from European eyes until the 19th century when it was first encountered by the Swiss orientalist J. L. Burckhardt in 1813. Further exploration led to its penetration by the Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni in 1817. These encounters marked the introduction of this monumental site to the Western world.
In modern times, owing to an international effort to safeguard Egypt's cultural heritage, the monumental cliff-cut temple was relocated to higher ground during the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1960. This endeavor ensured the preservation and accessibility of the temple, making it one of Egypt's most renowned landmarks.
Construction of the temple commenced relatively early in Ramesses II's reign, likely initiated after his fifth regal year. However, its completion occurred much later, in his 35th year. Throughout the temple's construction phase, the conceptualization of its purpose may have evolved. Notably, the innermost shrine underwent alterations to incorporate representations of Ramesses II alongside the prominent deities of the late New Kingdom: Re-Horakhty of Heliopolis, Ptah of Memphis, and Amun-Re of Thebes.
Upon its completion, the temple was known simply as Hut Ramesses Mery-amun, translating to "The temple of Ramesses, Beloved of Amun." This designation reflects the temple's dedication to the pharaoh and its profound religious significance in honoring the state gods of Egypt.
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| Ramesses II In Abu Simbel |
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| Ramesses II In Abu Simbel |
The forecourt preceding the temple featured two tanks designated for the priests' ablutions, positioned
on either side of the stairs leading to the entrance terrace. Adjacent to this terrace, a small sun-chapel adorned the northern side, while a chapel dedicated to Thout graced the southern side. However, the focal point of the forecourt was the imposing facade of the main temple, measuring 38 meters in width and standing 33 meters tall.
Dominating this facade are the four seated colossi of Ramesses II, each adorned with the double crown of Lower and Upper Egypt. These colossal statues, towering at approximately 21 meters (69 feet), rank among the tallest in Egypt's ancient history. Unfortunately, the statue situated to the left of the entrance suffered damage during an earthquake, leaving only the lower portion of the statue preserved to this day.
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At the base of the damaged statue, the head and torso remnants remain visible, resting at the feet of the colossal figure. Below these imposing sculptures, intricate carvings depict bound figures of both Negroes to the south and Asiatics to the north. These representations symbolize Egypt's subjugation of its borderland adversaries, emphasizing the pharaoh's power and the kingdom's dominance over its surrounding regions.
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Adjacent to the colossal figures of the king, intricately carved representations of Ramesses' family members are depicted. Among these figures are images of his esteemed royal wife, Nefertari, and his mother, Muttuya, alongside depictions of several of his children. Positioned at the feet of the pharaoh, these familial representations serve to emphasize the monarch's familial ties, showcasing his lineage and the royal household's prominence within the temple's grandeur.
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The figure of Re-Horakhty, worshipped with flanking images of Ramesses, positioned above the entrance, not only signifies the pharaoh's homage to the sun god, but also underscores his divine connection and legitimacy as a ruler.
The throne name "User-Maat-Re" depicted in rebus form not only emphasizes the pharaoh's royal authority but also underscores the solar aspect of the outer temple. This symbolic representation highlights the king's alignment with the divine and his association with the sun god, Re-Horakhty, further reinforcing the temple's celestial significance.
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A stela situated at the southern end of the external terrace commemorates one of Ramesses's notable diplomatic achievements: his marriage to a daughter of the Hittite king Hattusilis III. This inscription serves as a testament to Ramesses II's political acumen and his efforts to establish peaceful relations with neighboring powers, showcasing the significance of strategic alliances in ancient Egypt's international affairs.
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Within the temple, a sequence of chambers exhibits a progressive reduction in size, a common feature in temple design albeit somewhat condensed. Despite this, the First Hall, measuring 59 feet in breadth and 65 feet in depth, boasts an imposing scale. It is adorned with eight large statues of the king depicted as Osiris, each towering at 30 feet in height and intricately engaged with the pillars supporting the roof.
The walls of the First Hall are adorned with relief carvings depicting scenes of the king in battle, including the renowned Battle of Kadesh prominently featured on the north wall, as well as conflicts with Syrian, Libyan, and Nubian adversaries depicted on the south wall. Additionally, scenes depicting the presentation of prisoners to the gods adorn the walls. Remarkably, traces of the original colors used in the wall carvings have endured, providing insight into the vibrant aesthetics of ancient Egyptian artistry.
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From the First Hall, a series of magazines branch out, forming a network of storage chambers. Behind this hall lies the smaller Second Pillared Hall adorned with scenes depicting ritual offerings. This hall serves as a prelude to a transverse vestibule leading to the sanctuary. Flanking the sanctuary are special storerooms designated for housing cultic objects essential to religious rituals and ceremonies. This architectural arrangement underscores the meticulous planning and organization characteristic of ancient Egyptian temple complexes, facilitating the performance of sacred rites and the maintenance of religious artifacts.
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The sanctuary features a small altar, and within its rear niche, from left to right, stand the statues of Ptah, Amun-Re, the deified Ramesses, and Re-Horakhty. While it is true that the horizontal rays of the rising sun would illuminate these statues twice a year, a result of the careful orientation of the relocated temple, the specific dates of these occurrences are not as significant as commonly thought. This illumination phenomenon would naturally happen with any south-facing structure of similar design at some point or points throughout the year.
Nonetheless, the occurrence itself holds symbolic importance, as it symbolizes the fusion of solar and chthonic forces celebrated within this grand temple. This convergence underscores the spiritual significance of the temple and its role in honoring the divine and cosmic order within ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.
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The sanctuary of the temple contains a small altar and four statues: Ptah, Amun-Re, deified Ramesses, and Re-Horakhty. Twice a year, the rising sun's rays illuminate these statues, symbolizing the fusion of solar and chthonic forces celebrated in the temple. While specific dates are not crucial, the phenomenon occurs due to the temple's south-facing orientation. This illumination highlights the temple's spiritual significance and its role in ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.
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To the north, approximately 150 meters from the main temple, stands a smaller yet impressive structure dedicated to Ramesses's esteemed wife, Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor, closely associated with queenship in Ancient Egypt. The façade of this temple measures 30 meters in breadth and 13 meters in height.
Similar to Ramesses's temple, the cliff face was sculpted to resemble the sloping walls of a pylon, featuring colossal standing figures—approximately 10 meters (33 feet) tall—depicting Ramesses and Nefertari. Inside, Nefertari's temple follows a simpler plan, comprising a single pillared hall adorned with carved Hathor images, a vestibule with ancillary rooms, and the sanctuary.
Although the sanctuary was completed, two spaces were left on its side walls for doors to rooms that were never constructed. The inner chamber showcases numerous images illustrating the relationship between the royal couple and the gods. Hathor, depicted as a cow emerging from the "Western Mountain," stands in high relief on the rear wall, with the king beneath her chin. On the left wall, Nefertari is depicted worshipping before Mut and Hathor, while Ramesses worships before images of his deified self and his wife on the right.
Nefertari's significance in this temple is profound, as she is depicted participating in divine rituals alongside the king, underscoring her elevated status and equal footing in religious observance.
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
Here's a breakdown of the key features of the Temple of Ramesses II (The Great Temple) and the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari (The Small Temple), along with information about Ramesses II's death and the decline of the Egyptian empire:
**Temple of Ramesses II (The Great Temple):**
1. Court for sun worship
2. Seated colossi of Ramesses II
3. Large pillared hall
4. Side chambers
5. Small pillared hall
6. Sanctuary
7. Hittite marriage stele
8. South rock-cut chapel
9. North rock-cut chapel
10. Extent of modern concrete dome
**Temple of Hathor and Nefertari (The Small Temple):**
11. Standing colossi
12. Pillared hall
13. Vestibule
14. Sanctuary
15. Extent of modern concrete dome
Ramesses's Death:
By the time of his death at approximately 90 years old, Ramesses II suffered from severe dental problems, arthritis, and hardening of the arteries. He outlived many of his wives and children and left numerous memorials across Egypt, particularly for his beloved first queen, Nefertari. Nine more pharaohs honored him by taking the name Ramesses, but few matched his greatness. Most of his subjects were born during his reign and believed the world would end without him. While Ramesses became a legendary figure, Egypt faced new enemies and internal problems, leading to the decline of the empire. Less than 150 years after his death, the Egyptian empire fell, and the New Kingdom came to an end.
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
The relocation of the Nubian monuments was prompted by the construction of the Aswan Reservoir (The Old Aswan Dam) in 1902. However, due to rising waters, the monuments faced flooding three times: in 1902, 1912, and 1934.
In 1954, the Egyptian Government initiated a project to construct the High Dam south of Aswan. Built between 1960 and 1964, the High Dam aimed to modernize the country's economy. However, it posed a significant threat to Egypt and Sudan's cultural heritage. Dozens of temples, archaeological sites, and areas in Nubia faced submersion by the waters of the vast artificial lake, Lake Nasser, which would be formed behind the High Dam. Lake Nasser, extending approximately 500 kilometers in length, would stretch over 300 kilometers into Egyptian Nubia and 200 kilometers into Sudanese Nubia, with its water level reaching 182 meters.
Although the ground of the Great Temple stood 124 meters and the smaller temple at 122 meters above sea level, the water level of the reservoir created by the old dam never exceeded 121 meters. However, Lake Nasser's water level would rise significantly, surpassing the highest level reached by the old Aswan Dam's waters by 61 meters. This increase meant that the two temples and all Nubian monuments in the area would be completely submerged. Thus, the relocation project became imperative to preserve these invaluable historical treasures.
In 1959, the cultural heritage of Nubia faced imminent threat, prompting the governments of Egypt and Sudan to seek assistance from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its member states, approximately 50 countries. An international campaign, spearheaded by UNESCO, was launched to save the monuments of Nubia. The project, with a total cost of about 42 million dollars, received significant international assistance, with Egypt contributing 12 million dollars.
The salvage operation for the Abu Simbel temples commenced in November 1963 and concluded in September 1968. The temples were relocated using a method involving cutting and dismantling, completed nearly 20 months ahead of schedule. Remarkably, not a single stone was lost during the process, marking it as one of the most remarkable feats of archaeological engineering in history.
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
Here are the steps involved in relocating the Abu Simbel temple complex:
1. Establishment of a temporary dam in front of the two temples to shield them from the rising water levels. The dam, stretching 730 meters in length and standing 37 meters tall, was constructed using 380 thousand cubic meters of sandstone. The facade of the Great Temple was covered with sand to protect the colossal statues from pressure during the cutting process, and scaffolding was installed inside the temple to safeguard the roof and pillars.
2. Removal of rocks and hills above the two temples, totaling 150 thousand cubic meters in size.
3. Cutting the entire site into large blocks, approximately 3000 blocks weighing between 10 and 40 tons, without the use of explosives.
4. Careful lifting of each block by crane and placement onto trucks for transportation to the new location. The new site, situated 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the river, was prepared to receive the relocated temples.
5. Reassembly and reconstruction of the two temples at the new location, maintaining their original orientations.
6. Construction of an artificial dome made of concrete to enclose the reconstructed temples. The dome, approximately 60 meters in diameter, is one of the world's largest artificial domes made of reinforced concrete.
7. Formation of artificial hills above the two temples using 330 thousand cubic meters of sandstone to preserve the original appearance of being carved into the cliffs.
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
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The Complex of Abu Simbel |
The relocation of the complex resulted in a slight difference in the angle of the temple's direction. As a
consequence, the path of the sun's rays penetrating the temple changed. Previously, the sunlight would illuminate the statues of Ptah, Amun-Re, Ramesses II, and Re-Horakhty in the sanctuary on the 21st of February and the 21st of October. However, after the relocation, this illumination occurs on the 22nd of February and the 22nd of October. Despite this minor adjustment, the essence and significance of the solar alignment within the temple remain intact.
مرحبا بكم فى دعم فنى انترنت نشكركم على التعليق سوف يتم الرد خلال دقائق .