Philae Temple Complex

Philae Temple Complex

By: Mikaela Blackwell

Studying abroad in Egypt was an experience like I've never had before. One of my favorite places out of the ten days we spent in Egypt had to be the Philae Temple Complex. It was such a beautiful island, and the temples were a personal favorite out of all the sites. Located in Aswan, Egypt, it sits between both old and new Aswan Dams. A temple on an island dedicated to the Goddess Isis, goddess of motherhood, magic, and healing. As well as her husband Osiris and son Horus. It was a beautiful temple full of amazing hieroglyphics portraying Isis and Horus. Columns with Hathor, the fertility goddess are in the front portion of the temple.

Philae Island was subject to mass flooding yearly before 1902 when the old dam was built and was mostly submerged by the Nile water floods. When the High Dam was built in the 1960s, the temple complex was moved to another island (it's present location) so that it would not be submerged. Philae was added as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. In antiquity, it was appreciated even years after its creation and colonialism by the Romans. It was only closed as a place of worshipping Isis during the reign of Justinian I in 527–565 CE. 

The short boat ride from the entrance to the island and temple is a peaceful one that has a view of homes and mountainside. There was graffiti on the temple, which was very interesting to see. This place of worship lasted even after Christianity swept through the country and region since Isis and the story of Horus resembled Mary and Jesus. The temple was beautiful, and I am so grateful I could visit it. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go to take a trip to Aswan and see the island. Be respectful and open to learning the culture and history of the site as well as the surrounding area. So many of the hieroglyphics amazed me here, and I have included images of them in this posting. It felt so artistic and surreal that this was actually happening.

My experience in Egypt, although chaotic at first, was truly an amazing one. At first, the stress of my luggage not arriving with me in Cairo made it very difficult to fully enjoy the first day. Knowing we had to leave early for Luxor and if my luggage didn't arrive, I wouldn't have clothes for most of the trip worried me. I had an Apple AirTag on my checked luggage, as did other students. I am not sure if it gave me more anxiety or not, since I could see it traveling around Cairo. I feel like it travelled around Cairo more than I did. But I do think that this newer technology made it slightly easier to receive and track. Because I'm sure that 20 years ago, if someone had this exact same experience, they would be more stressed than me. Especially given the schedule and times of our trip. For that, I am grateful. 

I enjoyed going to the Philae Temple, but it was so nice seeing and talking to some of the Nubians there. I loved seeing people who looked like me and my family in Egypt. I really felt almost a comfort in seeing people like me living in an entirely different region of the world and their lives there. I did really enjoy the entire trip to the fullest, especially after receiving my luggage. I think I took the most flights I have ever taken in a week and a half time frame this J-Term. It was such a unique experience that I am absolutely so grateful to Dr. Breske, Hendricks, and Hollins for this opportunity to travel to Egypt. This was the perfect first time to study abroad with a great group of students and professors. I think it gave me even more perspectives on the trip, and that taught me so much. I will probably never shut up about it and will forever cherish the memories. Such a great learning experience that I have received from Hollins.