Temple of Ramses II

Temple of Ramses II

Introduction

Facing the Nile River, the Temple of Ramses II is arguably the most imaginative among Egypt’s many temples. Built 3,300 years ago — or more precisely, "carved," since the entire temple was not constructed from earth or stone but hewn directly out of the rock face, making it a massive and exquisite work of sculpture. Between 1964 and 1968, to prevent it from being submerged by the rising waters of the Nile due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple was cut into over 2,000 numbered blocks under the auspices of UNESCO, relocated and reassembled about 200 meters from its original site, and covered with an artificial hill. The temple faces the Nile, and its main façade features four colossal 20-meter-high statues of Ramses II seated, one of which was cut out in its entirety and is now housed in the British Museum. Around his knees and beside him are several smaller statues representing his wife and children. These four statues also serve as pillars, supporting the 30-meter-high temple structure. The main section of the temple is a 60-meter-long rectangular hall, with 16 statues lined up in two rows on either side — all of them, again, depictions of Ramses II himself. The walls are covered with murals and reliefs depicting the pharaoh’s military achievements. At the end of the hall is a stone chamber that serves as the sanctuary, where four statues sit in a row: the god of darkness, the god of the sky, Ramses II himself, and the sun god. Boldly placing himself on equal footing with the gods, this is perhaps an act of audacity no other ruler has ever dared. Various signs indicate that this temple was built less to honor the sun god and more to reflect the pharaoh’s supreme, god-like status. The temple is world-renowned for an almost miraculous phenomenon. On February 21 and October 21 each year (the dates of Ramses II’s ascension to the throne and his birth, respectively), at sunrise, sunlight entering through the temple’s entrance penetrates the 60-meter-long hall and shines directly onto the statues of the gods at the sanctuary — but never touches the god of darkness on the far left, who remains forever shrouded in darkness. This ingenious design even impresses modern engineers. However, after the relocation, the timing of the sunlight’s entry is delayed by one day, and the angle is no longer as precise. Note: Photography is allowed inside the temple, but the use of flash is prohibited. Ticket / Opening Hours: 30 Egyptian pounds, half price for students. You can apply for an International Student Identity Card through youth hostels in China.

Aswan, Egypt