The two temples of Abu Simbel are not artistic masterpieces such as the temples of Abydos or Edfu, nor are they a major center of worship like Karnak or a major funerary site like Saqqara. They were built by Ramses II as a warning to the Nubians, a boundary marker to convince the local people of the power and majesty of Pharoah. The gigantic figures carved into the rock face south, up the river, like sentries. The interiors are small, the reliefs depicting military victories. Ramses II usurped a number of older buildings across Egypt, adding his likeness and cartouche throughout the land like some kind of permanent graffiti. In this case, the smaller temple of Nefertari, his wife, includes many statues of Ramses and depictions of his triumphs. The carving is of a different style than the temples further north, perhaps due to the use of local labor. The legs of the large Ramses statues are rather thick, the body proportions less graceful than most art of the period. One proof of the engineering quality of these temples is the precise location and orientation of the doorways. Twice a year, the sun strikes the interior statues of the gods, with the exception of Ptah who appropriately remains in darkness. Modern engineering marvels are also seen here; this is the most famous of the temples saved by UNESCO during the construction of the High Dam. The hills that contains the two temples were carefully cut into blocks and reassembled above the water level, at almost exactly the same orientation and angle.
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Go to Egypt Photo Database Page