Abu Simbel, Sanctuary of the Temple of Ramesses II

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 15 March 2022
Abu Simbel, Sanctuary of the Temple of Ramesses II Download Full Size Image

In the sanctuary inside the Temple of Ramesses II (Great Temple) at Abu Simbel are rock-cut sculptures of four seated figures: Ra-Horakhty, the deified king Ramesses, and the gods Amun Ra and Ptah. The architects of ancient Egypt in the 13th century BCE aligned the temple so that on October 22 and February 22, the sun’s rays enter into the sanctuary to illuminate the sculptures on the wall, except for the statue of Ptah, the god associated with the underworld, which remains in shadow.

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About the Author

Carole Raddato
Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian.

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APA Style

Raddato, C. (2022, March 15). Abu Simbel, Sanctuary of the Temple of Ramesses II. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15453/abu-simbel-sanctuary-of-the-temple-of-ramesses-ii/

Chicago Style

Raddato, Carole. "Abu Simbel, Sanctuary of the Temple of Ramesses II." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 15, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15453/abu-simbel-sanctuary-of-the-temple-of-ramesses-ii/.

MLA Style

Raddato, Carole. "Abu Simbel, Sanctuary of the Temple of Ramesses II." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 15 Mar 2022. Web. 04 Dec 2024.

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