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In this article, we delve into the captivating history and significance of Kalabsha Temple, a remarkable blend of Egyptian and Greek influences, relocated to protect its heritage near Aswan High Dam.
| Overview | |
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| Location | Near the Aswan High Dam, in Aswan |
| History | Built During The Roman Age Around 30 BC |
| Relocation | In the 1960s |
| Unique Feature | Stone Causeway, Colonnaded Court |
The impressive Kalabsha temple is a wonderful site that is located within the view of the Aswan High Dam in Aswan and it is the first stop for any Nile River Cruise on Nasser Lake. Once you arrive there, you will walk along its bewitching stone causeway that leads to the temple’s first pylon. Then, you will pass a colonnaded court where there are 8 columned hypostyle halls. The amazing hieroglyphs & reliefs on its walls tell us a lot about the Greek Pharaohs and the ancient Egyptian gods & goddesses.
Kalabsha Temple is found on the far southern end of Lake Nasser in proximity to the Aswan High Dam, just 50 km south of Aswan. In order to gain entrance to the temple, it is advised to book with a travel agency that will provide the most ideal vehicle with a skilled driver and knowledgeable tour guide.
Kalabsha temple was originally built around 30 BC during the Roman age, in the reign of Augustus which left it unfinished till this current day. It was built to honor the lower Nubian sub-god known as merul or mandulis which was made on top of an older sanctuary of Pharaoh Amenhotep II. This Temple is known to be 22 m wide and 76 m long, the structure may date to the Roman period but it holds a number of reliefs showcasing Horus coming out from the reeds across the wall of the inner curtain.
The temple holds a staircase that leads from the sanctuary chambers to the roof of the temple where everyone can have a magnificent view of the entire temple and the sacred lake. Inscribed across the temple's walls are a number of historical records showcasing a number of important information in 250 AD the famed Roman Governor Aurelius Besarion ordered the forbidden of pigs in the temple" as well as an informative inscription of the Christian king of the Nubian kingdom of NobatiaSilko dating to the 5th century that displays his victory over the Blemmyes and also an image of him as a Roman soldier on horseback. With incredible assistance from Germany, the temple was relocated to its current location to safeguard it from the dangerous rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
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Read MoreThis relocation process took over two years in the 60s with support from all over the world. Kalabsha temple was the biggest free-standing temple in Egyptian Nubia which was rock-cut just like Abu Simbel. The Temple is considered a prime example of ancient Egyptian architecture found in Nubia. Egypt expressed great gratitude to Germany in 1971 for their pivotal role in rescuing the Nubian temples by gifting one of Kalabsha temple's gates. This gate has been housed in Berlin's Egyptian Museum since 1977, but plans are underway to move it to serve as the grand entrance to the 4th wing of the Pergamon Museum found in Berlin.
The temple of Kalabsha was built at the end of the Ptolemaic period and it was completed during the reign of Augustus, the Roman emperor. The temple was mainly dedicated to the Nubian god, Mandulis. After the construction of the High Dam, Kalapsha temple was relocated from its original spot around 30 miles to the south.
The temple of Kalabsha represents a unique combination of imagery of the ancient Egyptian & Greek themes, mythologies, and religion. The large Pylon of the temple is connected to the complex by a large wall. You can also enjoy an amazing view of the lake and the high dam from the temple’s roof by taking the stairs up to the upper part of the temple.
Kalapsha temple was almost destroyed by the flooding waters of Lake Nasser but fortunately, it was moved & rescued with other monuments with the assistance of UNESCO in the 1960s, and that operation was mainly conducted by the German Republic. The temple of Kalabsha was originally located 56 km from Aswan and now if you decide to visit Aswan High Dam, you will be able to visit the temple with a pair of binoculars. During the process of the temple’s relocation, a granite gateway was discovered by the workers and it was offered to the Berlin Agyptisches Museum.
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Read MoreYou will find lots of amazing things to have a look at including a hypostyle hall, an open court, some impressive Ptolemaic columns, and some screen walls. The decorations inside reveal lots of secrets and information about the ritual scenes including the great Southern Egyptian gods like Khnum and Min.
If you get the chance to spend sufficient time in Aswan, don’t miss the chance of being in that magnificent temple that is full of the great magic of ancient Egypt and start your adventure in exploring the most captivating ancient Egyptian sites in the Nubian city through Aswan day tours.
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The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
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The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
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