Abu Simbel: The Legacy of Ramses II

By Ashri Dawoud

On the border between Egypt and Sudan, Abu Simbel stands as one of the most iconic temples of ancient Egypt. Carved directly into a mountainside, this temple was built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th Century BC to commemorate his reign and his wife, Queen Nefertari. While Egypt boasts numerous temples, Abu Simbel is one of the few temples carved entirely into a mountain. This site stood not only as an artistic and engineering achievement but also a political statement that marks Egypt’s dominance over its southern neighbors.

The Temple and Its Name

The name ‘Abu Simbel’ is believed to come from a young boy who supposedly led early explorers to the site in the late 1800s. However, the temples themselves date back over 3,200 years, commissioned by Ramses II as part of his grand architectural legacy. The Great temple is dedicated to himself as a god-king, while the smaller temple is dedicated to queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

The Great Temple features four colossal 20-meter-high statues of Ramses II, seated. Carved into the rocks, the statues outwardly symbolize a never-ending rule. Smaller carvings of baboons are seen above the entrance, believed to be welcoming the sun. The inner chambers are covered in hieroglyphs and depictions of the Pharaoh's victories in battle and status. 

Inside the temple, the walls tell the story of Ramses II’s military rule, such as the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. This battle, often regarded as the greatest chariot battle, is depicted on the walls in vivid detail, showing Ramses as a heroic warrior smiting his enemies. These carvings served as both propaganda and a declaration of Egypt’s military strength. 

The temple was strategically placed on Egypt’s southern border as a clear message to potential invaders- this was the land of Ramses II, a king backed by the gods. The temple’s location was meant to assert Egyptian reign over Nubia and serve as a guardian against potential enemies. The dedication to Queen Nefertari was also significant, as it was rare for a queen to receive such an honor. Her temple immortalized her importance and the deep bond she shared with Ramses. 

Lake Nasser & The Relocation of the Temples

With the construction of the Aswan High Damn in the 1960s, the creation of Lake Nasser posed a significant threat to Abu Simbel. The artificial lake, one of the largest reservoirs in the world, risked submerging the temple, leading to the decision to move it. Lake Nasser, stretching over 500 kilometers, is a vital resource for Egypt and Sudan. It provided irrigation for agriculture, generated hydroelectric power, and supported fishing industries. However, its formation also led to the displacement of local communities and the submersion of numerous archaeological sites. The lake remains a crucial yet controversial symbol of Egypt’s modernization efforts.

Lake Nasser’s rising waters would have completely submerged Abu Simbel had the relocation efforts not occurred. Abu Simbel was cut into pieces and relocated between 1964 and 1968. The entire structure was cut into over a thousand massive blocks and moved 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from its original location. This painstaking process cost around $40 million (equivalent to several hundred million today) and took four years to complete. Without this intervention, the temples would have been lost beneath the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Over the millennia, earthquakes and natural erosion have taken their toll on the temples. Some statues suffered damage, including one of Ramses’ colossal figures, now toppled beside the temple. The relocation efforts preserved the temple’s authenticity as much as possible, but modern reinforcements, including artificial rocks at the back, have led some to question its originality. While the temple remains largely true to its ancient form, its setting is an artificial recreation of the original mountainside. 

Despite the challenges of nature and modernization, Abu Simbel continues to captivate visitors globally. Whether you’re standing beneath the statues of Ramses II or witnessing the solar alignment phenomenon on February 22 and October 22- when the sun illuminates the temple’s inner chambers - Abu Simbel remains a timeless statement to resilience and love.