The history of the Abu Simbel Temples begins in the 13th century BCE, during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Construction started around 1264 BCE and took about two decades, solidifying the pharaoh's power and divine status in the southern region of Nubia. Carved directly into a mountainside, the twin temples served as a lasting monument to Ramesses the Great and his beloved queen, Nefertari.
Construction and Purpose in Ancient Egypt
Pharaoh Ramesses II, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful rulers, commissioned the temples to achieve several goals. Primarily, they were a display of religious devotion, dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses himself. The location in Nubia, near the second cataract of the Nile, was strategic. The imposing facade, with its four 20-metre-high statues of the pharaoh, served as a formidable warning to Egypt's southern neighbours and asserted Egyptian control over the valuable trade routes.
The smaller temple was a tribute to his chief wife, Queen Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor. In a rare and significant gesture, the statues of Nefertari on its facade are depicted as the same size as those of the pharaoh, highlighting her importance.
Rediscovery in the 19th Century
After the fall of the New Kingdom, the temples were gradually abandoned and slowly consumed by the shifting desert sands. For over two millennia, their existence was forgotten by the outside world. It was not until 1813 that the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, travelling in disguise, stumbled upon the tops of the colossal statues protruding from the sand. Intrigued, he reported his find, but it was the Italian adventurer Giovanni Battista Belzoni who, in 1817, successfully excavated the entrance and became the first person to enter the Great Temple in centuries.
The Great Relocation: A Modern Miracle
The most dramatic chapter in Abu Simbel's history occurred in the 20th century. The construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s threatened to completely submerge the ancient site under the waters of the newly forming Lake Nasser. This impending loss spurred a global response.
An international fundraising and awareness campaign was launched by UNESCO in 1959. The resulting project, which took place between 1964 and 1968, is considered one of the greatest achievements in archaeological engineering.
An international team of engineers and archaeologists devised a bold plan. The temples were meticulously documented and then cut into more than a thousand large blocks, with some weighing as much as 30 tons. These blocks were then carefully lifted and transported to a new site, painstakingly reassembled 65 metres higher and 200 metres back from the river. To preserve the original setting, a massive concrete dome was built to house the temples, which was then covered with rock to recreate the original cliff face. The entire operation cost approximately $40 million and was completed on September 22, 1968.
Abu Simbel Today
Today, Abu Simbel stands safe in its new location, a testament to both ancient ambition and modern ingenuity. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The temples continue to attract visitors from all over the world, who come to marvel at the colossal statues, the intricate interior carvings, and the famous biannual solar alignment that illuminates the inner sanctuary. Whether you book tickets for a solo visit or join one of our guided tours, the history of Abu Simbel is a powerful story of creation, loss, and incredible rescue.
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Abu Simbel Temples and when?
The Abu Simbel Temples were built by Pharaoh Ramesses II of the 19th Dynasty. Construction started around 1264 BCE and was completed approximately 20 years later, around 1244 BCE.
Who rediscovered Abu Simbel?
The Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered the temples in 1813 after they had been buried under sand for centuries. The Italian Giovanni Battista Belzoni was the first to excavate and enter the Great Temple in 1817.
Why was Abu Simbel moved?
Abu Simbel was moved between 1964 and 1968 to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a reservoir created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Without the relocation, the entire temple complex would have been permanently submerged.
How much did it cost to move Abu Simbel?
The project to relocate the Abu Simbel temples cost around $40 million in the 1960s. This was a collaborative international effort funded by more than 50 countries and organised by UNESCO.
Explore this incredible piece of history for yourself. Plan your visit to Abu Simbel today.