Abu Simbel

This is one of the most important archaeological sites which consists of two huge temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramasses II and queen Nefertari. Situated by the banks of River Nile, the original location of Abu Simbel was below the present location which is under the water today. In the year 1959, the entire temple was moved to its present location after a threat to the original temple of being submerged arose. The construction of the temples is believed to have been completed in the year 1224 BC, 20 years after it was started. The temple was rediscovered only in the year 1813 and since then has been of great fascination for archaeologists and tourists. The Great Temple which is dedicated to gods Amen Re, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah, is also dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II as well. The main attraction of the temple are the 4 huge 20 meter statues of the Pharaoh with double crown of upper and lower Egypt. The smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramesses II's main wife, Nefertari. The fa