Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser 

For those seeking an extra dose of wonder, consider adding an optional excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples, one of Egypt's most famous archaeological sites. These temples, originally carved into the mountainside, were relocated to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. They are a true testament to ancient Egypt's engineering and artistic prowess.

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, in Nubia near Egypt’s southern border, is among the most awe-inspiring monuments of Egypt. It was cut into the living rock by King Ramesses II (the Great) of the Nineteenth Dynasty, around 1264 BC. The temple is most well known for the four imposing seated colossal statues that dominate its façade. One of these collapsed because of an ancient earthquake, and its fragments can still be seen on the ground.

Colossal standing statues of the king line the main hall, leading to the sanctuary where four deities are sat: Amun Ra, Ra Horakhty, Ptah, and a deified version of Ramesses II. The temple was built with such precision that on two days a year, the 22nd of February and 22nd of October, the sun’s rays enter the temple, cross the main hall, and illuminate the innermost statues.

Another rock-cut temple to the north, known as the Small Temple, is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramesses II’s Great Royal Wife, Queen Nefertari. On the façade of the Small Temple, her colossi are the same size as those of her husband, a very rare example of such display.

The two temples were moved from their original location in 1968 after the Aswan High Dam was built, as it threatened to submerge them. The relocation was completed thanks to an international effort led by UNESCO, and the temple was admitted into its list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.

Virtual tour for Abu Simbel Temple

The Abu Simbel Temple, one of the most remarkable monuments of ancient Egypt, stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural genius of the pharaohs. Located in the southern region of Egypt, near the shores of Lake Nasser, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a historical treasure but a marvel of engineering that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover the rich history, architectural splendor, and cultural significance of Abu Simbel Temple, built by Pharaoh Ramses II to honor himself and his queen, Nefertari, as well as the gods of ancient Egypt.

The History of Abu Simbel Temple 

Constructed during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, Abu Simbel was designed to project the power and divine authority of the pharaoh. The temple complex consists of two grand structures: the Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and the Small Temple, dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

The temples were strategically built on the west bank of the Nile River to impress those who traveled along the river. What sets Abu Simbel apart is the precision with which it was carved directly into the sandstone cliffs, making it a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture.

The Relocation of Abu Simbel Temple One of the most extraordinary events in modern history involving Abu Simbel Temple was its relocation in the 1960s. Threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the subsequent creation of Lake Nasser, a massive international effort was undertaken to move the temples to higher ground. Each piece was carefully dismantled and reassembled in a new location, preserving this iconic monument for future generations.

The Architectural Wonders of Abu Simbel The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is dominated by four colossal statues of Ramses II, each standing over 20 meters tall. These statues guard the entrance and symbolize the pharaoh’s eternal power and divine status. Inside, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting Ramses II's military victories, including the famous Battle of Kadesh.

The Small Temple, although smaller in size, is equally magnificent. Its facade features statues of Ramses II and Nefertari of equal height, a rare depiction symbolizing the queen's exceptional status. Inside, beautifully carved reliefs celebrate the couple's devotion to the gods and each other.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival 

One of the most fascinating aspects of Abu Simbel is its alignment with the sun. Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, the temple is illuminated by the rising sun, which lights up the inner sanctum and highlights the statues of the gods seated alongside Ramses II. This phenomenon, known as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, attracts thousands of visitors who come to witness this breathtaking spectacle.

Visiting Abu Simbel Temple 

For travelers, Abu Simbel is a must-see destination in Egypt. The site offers an immersive experience that takes you back to the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Visitors can marvel at the colossal statues, explore the beautifully preserved interiors, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert and Lake Nasser.

Why Abu Simbel Temple is a Cultural Icon ?

Abu Simbel Temple is more than just a historical site; it’s a symbol of human achievement, resilience, and the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. From its intricate carvings and colossal statues to its strategic relocation, this temple complex is a shining example of what can be accomplished through innovation, determination, and respect for cultural heritage. Plan your visit to Abu Simbel and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler looking for unforgettable experiences, Abu Simbel Temple promises a journey back in time.

Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt

Desert truffl es have always been a popular delicacy. Th e old writings reveal that the pharaohs of ancient Egypt cherished them and the Roman emperors regularly imported massive quantities from Libya and Greece. Th ey are collected for their unique fl avour, nutritional value and medicinal properties. Th ey have always been in demand, making them a profi table crop for local populations. Th ey are sold as fresh food, and in some seasons the price may amount, at 2009 prices, to about 100 US Dollars per kg. Th ey may also be canned. Th e local names of truffl es in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States are “faga”, “faqa” or “kamma”, and in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia theyare known as “terfaz.

Drived from “terfaz”, the common name for truffl es in the western part of the Arabic-speaking world.

Desert truffles do not have the same flavor as European truffles, but tend to be more common and thus more affordable. Forest truffles (genus Tuber) typically cost $1,000 per kilogram; Italian truffles may sell for up to $2,200 per kg, while Terfezia truffles sold as of 2002 in Riyadh for $200 to $305 a kg, and in recent years have reached, but not yet exceeded, $570.[7] Israeli agricultural scientists have been attempting to domesticate Terfezia boudieri into a commercial crop

Th e two main centres for collection of desert truffl es (ElKholy & Ali, 1992; Ibrahim 1995) are Marsa Matruh Governorate, on the Mediterranean coast of western Egypt, adjacent to the Libyan border (this is the major centre), and Al-Arish, on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, in the Sinai Penninsula (this area has been and continues to be aff ected by its proximity to a Middle East confl ict area).

Human activities likely to be adverse to desert truffl es are currently taking place on the coastal area near Alexandria.

Egyptian truffles as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant

Desert truffles are edible ascomycetes fungi that are hypogeous, mycorrhizal, and indigenous in the semi-arid and arid Mediterranean region, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Edible desert truffles are obligate symbiotic macro hypogenous ascomycetes fruit bodies. These are growing in depth between 5 and 10 cm. These consider a miracle of nature and an unexploited source of therapeutic compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wonderful food, especially for Bedouins. The current study investigated the activity of premature and mature ethyl acetate truffle extracts (white and Red) collected from the Western Egyptian Desert as antimicrobial and antioxidant. This study evaluated in vitro the efficacy of antimicrobial activity of organic truffles extract, and their effect on various pathogens (Gramnegative, Gram-positive bacteria, filamentous fungi, and yeast) by using agar well diffusion. 

TEM micrographs had been done for the most effective crude extracts. Furthermore, the activity of DPPH scavenging was studied for both mature truffles. Both truffles extracts had antibacterial activity more than antifungal activity. The selected extracts exhibited an inhibitory effect on the cell wall and protoplasm of pathogens. Terfezia sp. had antioxidant activity more than Tirmania sp. This investigation concluded that the truffle extracts could be considered a promising antibiotic and antioxidant drug in near future.

Truffles may be regarded as a nutrient source for Bedouin and nomad diets in dry places during harsh winter conditions.

Truffles are high in anthocyanins, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, pheromones, and steroids, among other bioactive chemical elements. Truffles have anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and sedative bioactive constituents.

White and red truffles were harvested by manual digging from Al-Hammam City in Marsa Matrouh in the Western Egyptian Desert.