237 – 57 BC and the Ptolemy Pharaohs
The Temple of Horus was built between 237 and 57 BC in Edfu, Egypt. It was used as a place of worship for the Pharaohs of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
The Temple of Horus was one of Egypt’s most significant temples and received pilgrims from nationwide. It attracted many tourists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, Aswan Dam’s development forced its closure to the general public in the 1960s.
In 1995, the public was again allowed to enter the Temple of Horus. It is currently one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Temple’s barque sanctuary is surrounded by a colonnade of columns and guarded by two statues decorated with hieroglyphs and sculptures. The main entrance to the Temple is through a massive gate known as the Pylon.
What did Ptolemy III do for Edfu?
Ptolemy III Euergetes not only started the construction of the Temple of Edfu but also donated to numerous other temples and repaired the divine sculptures that the Persians had looted from the temples. Ptolemy III started construction but was completed by Ptolemy XII and then opened for worship by Ptolemy X.
Some of the Popular attractions at the Temple of Edfu
The Pylon
The Edfu temple pylon is one of the temple complex’s most interesting and well-preserved features. It was built in the early Ptolemaic period and is one of Egypt’s largest and most impressive pylons. It is made of sandstone and is decorated with reliefs and inscriptions that depict the coronation of Pharaoh Ptolemy XII and his queen, Cleopatra VII. The inscriptions on the pylon record the king’s military campaigns and victory over the Nubians. The Pylon is one of the most important features of the temple complex and is a vital part of understanding the history and purpose of the Temple.
The Great Hypostyle Hall (Outer Hall)
The columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall are arranged in 16 rows of 12 columns each. They are made of sandstone and are over 20 metres tall. The columns’ sculptures depict scenes from Horus’s lives and the gods. The hall’s walls are also decorated with reliefs, and the north wall depicts the coronation of Horus as a falcon, while the reliefs on the south wall depict the age-old conflict between Horus and Set. Other sculptures depict the site of an earlier god, Isis and Osiris, and the goddess Hathor of Dendera.
The Inner Hypostyle Hall
The hall is massive, measuring approximately 50 x 80 metres. It is supported by 128 columns, arranged in 16 rows of 8 columns. The columns are decorated with sculptures of Horus and other Egyptian gods and goddesses. The hall’s roof is decorated with stars, which would have been visible to worshippers looking up at the night sky.
The Courtyard around the Temple
The courtyard and temple grounds at Temple Horus of Edfu are beautiful and serene spaces perfect for contemplation and reflection. The Temple is an impressive structure; the courtyard provides a peaceful and calming atmosphere and is also a great place to enjoy the views of the surrounding area.
The Naos
The Naos is a rectangular structure with a pitched roof. It was constructed over more than 200 years, from the reign of Ptolemy III to the rule of Ptolemy XII. It is made of sandstone and decorated with various reliefs and hieroglyphs. The front of the Naos is adorned with a scene of the gods Isis and Horus. The reliefs on the sides of the Naos depict various scenes from Egyptian mythology, including the story of the birth of Horus.
Why Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu?
The Temple of Horus is a popular tourist destination and there are many reasons why tourists visits
Pros:
- The Temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples.
- The Temple is a significant religious site for both Egyptians and tourists.
- It is an excellent example of ancient architecture. It is one of the few temples that have survived largely intact.
- It contains a wealth of hieroglyphic inscriptions on its walls and reliefs. These provide insight into the beliefs and practices of the ancient people in Egypt.
- It is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush gardens and the Nile River.
Cons:
- It can be pretty crowded, particularly during peak season
- It is located in a remote location, making it difficult to get to.
- It is not always well-maintained, and some of the hieroglyphs and reliefs are in a poor state of repair.
Overall, the pros outweigh the cons when visiting the Temple. It is a unique and fascinating site worth the effort of getting to.
How to get to Temple of Horus
There are several ways to get to Edfu depending on whether you are staying in Luxor or Awsan. From Aswan, it’s about a 2-hour drive, and from Luxor, it’s slightly longer. Renting a taxi for the day is a good option and will allow you to take your time and enjoy the temple at your leisure. The train between Luxor and Aswan does also stop at Edfu, but they are not that reliable and often very crowded.
Most Nile cruise boats stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples en route between Luxor and Aswan and all allow plenty of time to visit the temples. Of course you can also arrange day and half day trips with local tour operator in both Aswan and Luxor.
Some reminders and tips when visiting Edfu Temple
When visiting, be sure to dress conservatively. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You should also avoid wearing tank tops, shorts, and skirts.
- When planning your visit, remember that it can get scorching in Egypt, especially during summer. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks often to avoid heat exhaustion.
- The Sanctuary is open to the public daily, with a small admission fee. There are also several audio and video presentations about its history.
- As soon as you step in, you’ll be blown away by its size and grandeur. It is massive and filled with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. Take your time and look at every area. You’ll want to take plenty of photos!
- As you wander, keep an eye out for the many granite statues of Horus. These statues are incredibly well-preserved and offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient religious beliefs.
Once you’ve explored the area, check out the nearby museum. The museum is home to many artefacts in and around the Temple, including the golden statue of Horus of Behdet. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.