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The frightening temple
The isolation of the temple of
Abu Simbel is part of the reason for its existence.
Here, on the point where Nubia ends and Egypt
begins, Pharaoh Ramses 2 decided abour 3,300 years
ago to erect a temple with a shape and dimensions
that should frighten invaders from the south.
Four
20M high statues of himself stare towards any
possible invader from the south, telling them what
power they will face if they continue north.
For
the brave who should dare to enter, large wall
decorations show how Ramses kills Hittites,
Nubians and Libyans — the main enemies of Egypt in
those days
The temple was officially erected in veneration of
the major gods of Amon and Re-Harakhte, but
Ramses
was an unusually immodest Pharaoh, and if
anything, this temple tries to indicate that he
himself is larger than any god.
It might be
considered a logical breach, but his claim to
divinity is granted by the gods he immediately
overshadows.
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The holiest of the holy,
the inner sanctuary. Four statues represent
(left to right) Re-Harakhti, the deified
Ramses 2, Amon-Re and Ptah. |
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One of the 8 pillars with a Ramses statue in
front in the Hypostyle Hall. |
Ramses to the
right presents an offer to Re-Harakhte. |
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