Abu Simbel, Facade of the Temple of Ramesses II

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 14 March 2022
Abu Simbel, Facade of the Temple of Ramesses II Download Full Size Image

The Great Temple at Abu Simbel was built by Ramesses II and completed around 1264 BCE. It stands 98 feet (30 metres) high and 115 feet (35 metres) long with four seated colossi flanking the entrance, two to each side, depicting Ramesses II seated on a throne and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Beneath these giant figures are smaller statues depicting the king's family members and various protecting gods. Above the central doorway is a niche figure of Ra-Horakhty (the "Horus of the Horizon"), and surmounting the Great Temple façade is a frieze of 22 baboons.

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About the Author

Carole Raddato
Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the world in the footsteps of emperor Hadrian.

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APA Style

Raddato, C. (2022, March 14). Abu Simbel, Facade of the Temple of Ramesses II. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15448/abu-simbel-facade-of-the-temple-of-ramesses-ii/

Chicago Style

Raddato, Carole. "Abu Simbel, Facade of the Temple of Ramesses II." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 14, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15448/abu-simbel-facade-of-the-temple-of-ramesses-ii/.

MLA Style

Raddato, Carole. "Abu Simbel, Facade of the Temple of Ramesses II." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 14 Mar 2022. Web. 07 Oct 2024.

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