03/12/2024
Abu SImbel Temple, one my favorites so far.
We got up early in the morning and drove 3+hrs SW of Aswan. We walked up a little hill, overlooking the Nile River and as we turned left, there, Bam! the majestic statues of Ramses II. Abu Simbel was buildt by Ramses II, one of the greatest Kings of Egypt. He was known to be a great leader, had quite a number of military and cultural achievements, conquered much of Egypt and beyond and is thought to be around the time of Moses and is described in the bible. In another Temple in Luxor, there is a painting describing what is believed that Ramses II was of the Pharaohs to sign the first peace treaty with the Hittites. It took about 20 years to build; however in modern times (around 1960) it was repositioned because of the threat of flooding from Lake Nasser and the construction of the High Dam.
Right next to it is a Temple of Nefertari, first wife and only love of Ramses II. Even though he had 100s of wives and concubines (and also had 100s of children, He lived to his late 90s, maybe 96?), Nefertari was his favorite and he demonstrated his love by building temples, monuments and constantly mentioning her in the descriptive pictures all throughout his temples. Even after her death, he often honored their love and also crowned their daughters as the Great Royal wife... even though he might have had another wife already.
Ramses II was so passionate about building monuments and temples that there are many more throughout Egypt. He even though of himself as being close to their god, or even god himself, thus gaining respect and devotion from his people. This is also seen in the sun alignment phenomenon that happens twice a year (February-coronation day, and October-Ramses II bday) in which the sun rays illuminate the statues of Ramses II and other gods. This is a must-see event that I hope to see when I return to Egypt.
All of it is so impressive, their attention to detail, architecture and knowledge of astronomy... and all of it to last 1000s of years. If you are even in Egypt, you must visit Abu Simbel, absolutely amazing.