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Temple of Edfu

Temple of Edfu by Ransack — Temple of Edfu, located on the west bank of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt, is one of the best preserved monuments and a testament to ancient grandeur. Founded in 237 to 57 BC during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and devoted to Horus – god of falcons, protector, and king. The Temple of Edfu is recognized as one of the most well-preserved shrines in Egypt, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious and architectural practices.

An Imposing Pylon Visitors will enter the temple through the entrance of a massive pylon, intricately decorated with scenes of Horus and other deities. The entrance is also one of the most recognized symbols of the temple, representing its grandeur and importance.

Day tour to

Edfu and Kom Ombo

From Luxor

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The face of the pylon shows many scenes from the life of the Ptolemaic rulers in front of the gods, confirming once more that pharaohs where deities and mediators between gods and people.

A succession of large halls and passageways guide to the cella within a temple, where the statue of Horus was previously housed. Each chamber features elaborate hieroglyphic engravings and carvings describing Horus' myths, especially his battle with the god Set. They have been essential to historians, telling us about Egyptian religion, festivals and life as it was then.

The Temple of Edfu is unique in that it has a two-layered sanctuary with the purpose for people to feel as if they are entering into another realm. This was thought to form the most sacred area of the temple and contained the shrine of the processional bark of Horus. Around this sacred nucleus are rooms which people think contain valuable ritual items and other offerings.

In addition to its grandiosity, the Temple of Edfu was functional for it comprised of an avenue of ram headed figures leading up to the temple where annually, festivals to commemorate legendary battles of Horus over Set were held. It was also a place where the divine and royal activities such as the rites dedicated to the falcon god to which thousands of believers of all ages and sexes came to receive divine protection and blessings that could be provided by the leaders of the country only.

Nowadays, Temple of Edfu is still one of the significant landmarks and attracts tourists with large scale and deep historical meaning. Alone this structure represents not only the Ptolemaic period, but also dignity, spirituality and innovative achievements of the ancient Egyptians.