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Temple of Philae

Temple of Philae in Aswan, Egypt

The Temple of Philae complex is a stunning island temple in Egypt. It’s near the Aswan Low Dam, downstream of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser. Before the UNESCO Nubia Campaign, it was on Philae Island, by the First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt.

This temple was moved to Agilkia Island as part of a global effort to save Nubian monuments. This was done before the Aswan High Dam was built. It helped keep the temple safe for future generations.

Key Takeaways

  • Philae Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 8 km south of Aswan, Egypt.
  • The temple complex was originally situated on Philae Island, near the First Cataract of the Nile, but was relocated to Agilkia Island to protect it from the Aswan High Dam’s flooding.
  • Philae Temple represents a mix of architectural styles and artistic traditions from various historical eras, including Ancient Egypt, the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the Roman Empire, and the spread of Christianity.
  • The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and was a center of the cult of Isis, with daily priestly rituals and ceremonies occurring on the island.
  • Philae Temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, hieroglyphics, and statues portraying Egyptian mythology, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Location and Geography of Philae Temple

Temple of Philae in Aswan, Egypt

The Philae Temple is in Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt, in Nubia. Its coordinates are 24°1’15″N 32°53’22″E. It’s by the Nile River, after the Aswan Dam. Before, it was on Philae Island, near the First Cataract of the Nile.

Philae Island was about 380 meters long and 120 meters wide. It was close to Aswan, about 100 kilometers away. The temple has buildings from the Pharaonic era, Ptolemaic Kingdom, Roman, and Byzantine times.

Relocation to Agilkia Island

The Aswan High Dam made the temple move to Agilkia Island. This was to save it from the floodwaters. UNESCO’s Nubia Campaign worked hard to keep the area’s culture safe.

Now, the Philae Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for being part of “Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae.” People from all over visit to see this ancient Egyptian wonder.

Location

Coordinates

Original Island

Current Island

Distance from Aswan

Aswan, Egypt

24°1’15″N 32°53’22″E

Philae Island

Agilkia Island

Approximately 100 km

History and Construction of Philae Temple

The Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt, has a long and fascinating history. It started in the 7th or 6th century BC. The first temple was built by Pharaoh Taharqa, for the god Amun.

The Ptolemaic Kingdom (282-145 BC) made the temple even bigger and better. Ptolemy II Philadelphus and others built temples to please the Egyptians. This led to big changes and showed off the era’s skill in building.

Contributions from Pharaohs

Pharaohs like Psamtik II and Amasis II also helped the temple grow. They built things like a small kiosk for Isis. Nectanebo I, from the 30th Dynasty, also left his mark.

Pharaoh

Dynasty

Contribution

Taharqa

25th

Built the first known shrine on the island, likely dedicated to Amun

Psamtik II

26th

Constructed a small kiosk dedicated to the goddess Isis

Amasis II

26th

Made contributions to the temple complex

Nectanebo I

30th

Further expanded and enhanced the Philae Temple

Ptolemy II Philadelphus

Ptolemaic

Oversaw major construction during the Ptolemaic Kingdom

Ptolemy II Philadelphus and others from the Ptolemaic Kingdom greatly helped the temple. They wanted to meet the Egyptians’ religious needs and traditions.

Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt – A Sacred Site

The Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt, was a key spot for the Egyptians and Nubians. They saw it as a place where Osiris, the god of the underworld, was buried. This made it very special.

Only priests could live on the island, making it “the Unapproachable”. This rule made the temple even more sacred. It was a place to keep the secrets of Egyptian religion and myths safe.

Reverence by Egyptians and Nubians

Both Egyptians and Nubians saw the Philae Temple as very important. They thought it was where Osiris, the god of life after death, was buried. This made it a key spot for those who wanted to connect with the divine.

Exclusive Access for Priests

Only priests could live on Philae Island, making it “the Unapproachable”. This rule showed how special the temple was. It was a place where only a few could perform sacred rituals.

“Philae was held in high reverence both by the Egyptians to the north and the Nubians (often referred to as “Ethiopians” in Greek) to the south, as it was said to be one of the burying-places of Osiris. It was deemed profane for any but priests to dwell there and was accordingly sequestered and denominated “the Unapproachable”.”

The Cult of Isis and the Osiris Myth

Philae was a key place for the cult of Isis during the Saite period (664-525 BC). The Osiris myth was very important at these festivals. The story of Osiris’s death and coming back to life was acted out. Isis was key in finding and bringing her husband back to life.

Isis and the Osiris Myth

Isis played a big part in bringing Osiris back to life after he was killed by his brother Seth. Legends say Isis looked everywhere for Osiris’s body and was able to put it back together. This let Osiris come back to life and rule the underworld.

“Isis, the great, the divine mother goddess, who sought her brother/husband Osiris, who mourned him, who rejoiced when she found him, and who raised up the heir, Horus, to avenge his father and assume the kingship.”

Festivals and Rituals

Every year, the story of Osiris was acted out at festivals at Philae. People came from all over Egypt and Nubia for these events. They celebrated life, death, and being reborn, with Isis’s role in the Osiris story being very important.

  • Rites dedicated to Isis and Osiris went on for about 500 years after Egypt was conquered by Rome in 30 B.C.
  • Nubian kings paid for these festivals and helped support the temples for many years.
  • The Isis cult lasted long after the pharaohs ruled, with festivals happening for centuries after 0 AD.

Philae was a very important place because of the cult of Isis and the Osiris myth. It was a key site in ancient Egypt and Nubia.

Relocation and Conservation Efforts

ASWAN EGYPT - TOUR of the PHILAE TEMPLE #travelvlog

In the 1960s, the Philae Temple complex faced a big problem. The Nile River was rising because of the Aswan High Dam. To save the temple and other monuments, a big move was planned. This was part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign.

From 1972 to 1980, the temple was taken apart stone by stone. Each stone was labeled and put back together on Agilkia Island. This big job moved not just the main Isis temple. It also moved smaller shrines that had been there for centuries.

The UNESCO Nubia Campaign started in 1960. It aimed to save over 20 ancient sites from being lost under Lake Nasser’s waters. The Philae Temple was a key part of this effort. Experts from all over the world worked together to save it.

Thanks to this big effort, the Philae Temple was saved from the flood. Now, people from all over can see its beauty, art, and history.

Philae Temple Relocation

  • Dismantled and moved to Agilkia Island between 1972 and 1980
  • Part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign to save threatened archaeological sites
  • Relocation involved meticulous cataloging and reassembly of each stone

UNESCO Nubia Campaign

  1. Launched in 1960 to save over 20 monuments from flooding due to Aswan High Dam
  2. Philae Temple was a centerpiece of the campaign, requiring a massive relocation effort
  3. Involved collaboration of experts from around the world to ensure preservation

The move and saving of the Philae Temple show the hard work and smart thinking of those involved. They worked hard to keep this ancient Egyptian treasure safe for the future.

Architectural Highlights and Decorations

The Philae Temple complex in Aswan, Egypt, is a sight to behold. It shows off ancient Egyptian architecture and religious art. The monuments on Philae and Agilkia Islands highlight Egyptian craftsmanship, even after the pharaohs were gone.

Impressive Reliefs Depicting Isis Mythology and Egyptian Deities

The temple walls have reliefs that tell the story of the goddess Isis and other Egyptian gods. These carvings show the legend of Osiris, a key figure in the Isis cult at Philae. They let visitors see the amazing art and detail of these old stories.

Remains of Roman, Byzantine, and Coptic Structures

The site also has parts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Coptic times. There are two Coptic churches among them. These show how important the site was for religion long after the pharaohs ruled. The mix of styles tells the story of Philae as a place where ancient cultures met.

Architectural Highlights

Key Facts

Impressive Reliefs

– Depict Isis mythology and Egyptian deities – Showcase skilled ancient artistry – Preserve legendary tales of Osiris

Remains of Roman, Byzantine, and Coptic Structures

– Include two Coptic churches – Reflect Philae’s religious significance over centuries – Showcase the site’s diverse architectural heritage

Philae Obelisk and the Decipherment of Hieroglyphs

The Philae Obelisk is 3.66 meters tall and weighs about 6 tons. It helped unlock ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Found in 1815 in the Isis Temple ruins on Philae Island, it has Greek and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

William John Bankes brought it to England in 1821. He saw the Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt. Bankes saw the obelisk’s Greek inscriptions with Ptolemy V and Cleopatra’s names. This helped with deciphering hieroglyphs, along with the Rosetta Stone.

Now, the obelisk is in Kingston Lacy’s gardens in Dorset, England. But, it faced challenges. In 2014, it turned black with liverwort. This led to a project by the University of Oxford to show its inscriptions again.

Artifact

Details

Philae Obelisk

  • Height: 3.66 meters
  • Weight: Estimated 6 tons
  • Material: Pink granite
  • Discovered: 1815, in the ruins of the Isis Temple on Philae Island
  • Brought to England: 1821 by William John Bankes
  • Current Location: Kingston Lacy, Dorset, England

The Philae Obelisk, along with the Rosetta Stone and other finds, still fascinates scholars and visitors. It connects us to ancient Egypt’s rich history and culture.

Significance in Literature and Culture

The Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt, has always caught the eye of writers and artists. Its stunning ruins and deep history inspire many. They bring its importance to life through stories and poems.

Backdrop for Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile”

Agatha Christie’s famous book, “Death on the Nile,” is closely tied to the Philae Temple. The temple’s beauty was the perfect setting for her mystery story. It added depth and atmosphere to the tale.

“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley and Horace Smith

Poets have also been moved by the Philae Temple. Works like “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley and Horace Smith reflect on human achievements. They show how short-lived they can be, just like the ancient pharaohs.

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Percy Bysshe Shelley, “Ozymandias”

The Philae Temple’s role in literature and culture shows its deep impact. It stands as a symbol of ancient Egypt’s lasting legacy. Its beauty and history still move people all over the world.

Visiting the Philae Temple

Temple of Philae in Aswan, Egypt

The Philae Temple is a key spot for those wanting to see the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt. It’s easy to get to by boat down the Nile. This temple shows off the area’s deep culture and history.

Exploring the Philae Temple

To get to the Philae Temple, take a boat from Aswan Marina. This boat ride is about 10-15 minutes each way. The temple sits on Agilkia Island, moved here to save it from the dam’s floodwaters.

Getting into the Philae Temple is not too expensive. Adults pay about 50 EGP, and students get a discount. You can see amazing architecture, statues, and learn about its history.

Experiencing the Philae Temple’s Attractions

The temple has lots to do. You can see the Birth House, Kiosk of Trajan, and the Sanctuary of Isis. These spots show off the temple’s skill and its role in the Osiris myth. At sunset, the Philae Sound and Light Show lights up the temple with colors and stories.

The temple welcomes visitors from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (October to May) and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (June to September). It’s a great place to visit all year. With its history, beauty, and importance, the Philae Temple is a top spot in Aswan and on the Nile River cruise.

Attraction

Description

Admission Cost

Philae Temple Complex

Impressive temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, featuring remarkable architecture and reliefs

50 EGP (adult), discounted rates for students

Philae Sound and Light Show

Captivating evening experience showcasing the temple illuminated with vibrant colors and audio commentary

Included in temple admission

Boat Taxi to Agilkia Island

Scenic 10-15 minute boat ride from the Aswan Marina to the temple’s location

Negotiable (approximately 50 EGP)

Conclusion

The Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt is a magical place that has drawn people from all over. It was a key spot for the Isis cult in the Ptolemaic Kingdom. It also helped unlock the secrets of hieroglyphs.

Thanks to careful preservation and being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple still shows off Egypt’s ancient skills and faith. It sits by the Nile River, giving visitors a chance to dive into ancient Egyptian life.

Visitors can see detailed carvings of Isis stories, admire the mix of Greek and Egyptian designs, or feel the magic of the floodlit ruins. Going to the Philae Temple is a must for those wanting to explore Egypt’s history. With ongoing care and tours from experts like Luxor and Aswan Travel, it will keep amazing people for years to come.

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About the author

Egypt Planners Team is a highly experienced travel agency specializing in memorable trips to Egypt. The team comprises expert travel planners and tour guides with a deep knowledge of Egypt's history, culture, and top tourist destinations.
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