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Location DB > Egypt > Near Aswan > Abu-Simbel > Abu-Simbel
 Name
Abu-Simbel
 Viewing Options
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 Database Info
created by Sinister Crayon on 3/11/2006 7:46 AM
last modified by Sinister Crayon on 3/11/2006 11:36 PM
 Viewability
Publically Viewable Publically Viewable
This location has been labeled by its creator as Public, and therefore can be viewed by anyone.
 Overview
 Description
Two large underground temples constructed by Ramesses the II.
 Basic Information
Type: Ancient Ruins
Status: Open for tours
Accessibility: Easy
Recommendation: drop everything - must see
 Physical Information
Address

Abu-Simbel, Near Aswan
Egypt
Owner: Egyptian Government
 Hazards
  • none
  •  Interesting Features
    Was cut into pieces and re-assembeld to preserve it from flooding and to open it to the public.
     Security Measures
  • 24 hour guard
  •  Historical Dates
    Built: 1264
    Closed: 0
     Required Equipment
  • none
  •  Recommended Equipment
    camera
     History
    Construction

    Construction started in about 1284 BC and lasted for 20 years, until 1264 BC. Known as the "Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun", it was one of six rock temples constructed in Nubia during the long reign of Ramesses. The purpose of these temples was to impress Egypt's southern neighbours, and to reinforce the status of Egyptian religion in the region.

    Rediscovery

    With the passing of time, the temples became covered by sand. Already in the 6th century BC, the sand covered the statues of the main temple up to their kneesand the temple was forgotten. It was rediscovered in 1813, when Swiss orientalist JL Burckhardt found the top of the main temple.

    Burckhardt talked about his discovery with Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni, who travelled to the site, but was unable to dig out an entry to the temple. Belzoni returned in 1817, this time succeeding in his attempt to enter the complex. He took everything valuable and portable with him.

    Relocation

    In 1959 an international donations campaign to save the monuments of Nubia began: the southernmost relics of this ancient human civilization were under threat from the rising waters of the Nile that were about to result from the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

    The salvage of the Abu Simbel temples began in 1964, and cost some USD $36 million. Between 1964 and 1968, the entire site was dismantled and reassembled in a new location – 65 m higher and 200 m back from the river. Today, thousands of tourists visit the temples daily. Guarded convoys of buses and cars depart twice a day from Aswan, the nearest city. Many visitors also arrive by plane, at an airfield that was specially constructed for the temple complex.
     Media Coverage

     Future Plans

     Stories


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     Photo Galleries
    Click to view gallery
    My trip in '01
    Mon, Mar 26th, 2001
    posted by Sinister Crayon
    5 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Relocation Model
    Sat, Mar 11th, 2006
    posted by Sinister Crayon
    1 pictures


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     Moderator Rating
    The moderator rating is a neutral rating of the content quality, photography, and coolness of this location.

    This location has not yet been rated by a moderator.
     Validation
    This location's validation is current. It was last validated by Mickael on 4/7/2006 8:27 PM.

     Latest Changes
  • on Apr 7 06 at 20:27, Mickael validated this location
  • on Mar 28 06 at 23:12, Sinister Crayon updated gallery picture Scan10059.jpg
  • on Mar 18 06 at 6:25, Sinister Crayon made this location public
  • on Mar 16 06 at 3:55, Sinister Crayon made this location available
  • on Mar 12 06 at 0:06, Sinister Crayon updated gallery picture Egypt.AbuSimbel.03.jpg
  • on Mar 12 06 at 0:05, Sinister Crayon deleted picture 167347 from gallery Relocation Model
  • on Mar 11 06 at 23:36, Sinister Crayon changed the following: Hazards, Required Equipment
  • on Mar 11 06 at 23:27, Sinister Crayon updated gallery picture Egypt.AbuSimbel.03.jpg
  • on Mar 11 06 at 23:26, Sinister Crayon created a new gallery
  • on Mar 11 06 at 23:19, Sinister Crayon changed the following: History, Year Built, Hazards, Description
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