Sun Inside Abu Simbel temple
Egypt, History, 10/22/2001

Abu Simbel, the two rock-cut temples of Ramses II erected on about 250 km, southeast of Aswan, is one of the most famous Egyptian archaeological sites that attract thousands of tourists.

It was discovered by Jean-Louis Burckhardt in 1813. The facade of the temple is dominated by four colossal seated figures of Ramses II who was one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs.

The great temple is precisely aligned that twice a year (during February and October) the rising sun illuminates the sanctuary and seated statues at the rearmost point of the temple. This rare phenomenon which coincided with Ramses II's birthday and enthronement day, took place on October 22, with thousands of tourists holding their breath while watching the 23 minute ray of sun at 5.53 a.m.

Director of Abu Simbel Temple, Archaeologist Atteya Radwan said that the tourists' entrance into the temple was thoroughly organised. "We organised them in accordance with directives of the Higher Council of Antiquities to protect the site from the dangers of crowds," he said. He added that a folk art festival was held in Abu Simbel area to mark the occasion. He pointed out that folk art troupes presented performances showing the process on how to salvage the monument endangered by Lake Nasser.

Previous Stories:
  Four seasons' muses moved to Bibliotheca Alexandria   (10/13/2001)
  Four Roman tombs unearthed at Dakhla Oasis   (10/13/2001)
  Roman tombs unearthed againat Dakhla oasis   (10/11/2001)

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