The sun smiles on the face of Abu Simbel twice every year. On February 22nd, you can walk with the gods of Ancient Egypt and witness the majestic sun festival. This event happens when the sun rays illuminate the central chamber, lighting up the statues of Ptah, Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ramses II.
The Abu Simbel temples are located about 230 km southwest of Aswan. Constructed by Ramses II between 1290 and 1224 BC, one temple is dedicated to Ramses II, and the other to his wife, Queen Nefertari. The temple has a massive statue of Ramses II at the entrance, and inside is the grand hall with images from the battle of Kadesh. The sun rays penetrate 200 feet into the room of the Holy of Holies on the statue of Ramses II, as well as the statue of Ra, the sun god, and Amun, the king of the gods. The rays of the sun do not fall perpendicular on the fourth statue, which is the god Ptah, the god of darkness.
Getting there...
No comments:
Post a Comment