Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae

Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae

The Nubian Monuments represent a monumental UNESCO salvage operation that relocated ancient structures to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. This collection includes the massive rock-cut temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel, the Greco-Roman Temple of Kalabsha, and the "Valley of the Lions" at Wadi es-Sebua. These sites showcase the architectural evolution of Lower Nubia, from New Kingdom speos temples to Ptolemaic and Roman sanctuaries, alongside the Nubian Museum which preserves the region's distinct cultural heritage.

Nubian Monuments — Map

Than217 / Public domain

A

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a historic site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in the village of Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt, near…

B

Nubian Museum

The Nubian Museum is an archaeological museum located in Aswan, Upper Egypt.

C

Saint Simeon Monastery

A monumental monastery that served as a fortress when resisting to Islam conquest. Its fortification walls seem impressive even today.

D

Wadi es-Sebua Temple

Wadi es-Sebua, or Valley of the Lions, is the site of two New Kingdom Egyptian temples, including one speos temple constructed by the 19th…

E

Ed Dakka Temple

Ad-Dakka was a place in Lower Nubia. It is the site of the Greco-Roman Temple of Dakka, dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom in the ancient…

F

Maharraqa

Temple of Al-Maharraqa is an ancient Egyptian Temple dedicated to Isis and Serapis.

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G

Nefertari's Temple of Hathor

Part of the Abu Simbel complex, this rock-cut temple was dedicated by Ramesses II to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. It is unique for featuring statues of a queen equal in height to those of the pharaoh.

H

Great Temple

The larger of the two Abu Simbel temples, built by Ramesses II to honor Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah. Its facade features four colossal 20-meter statues of the pharaoh, and its inner sanctuary is aligned with the sun twice a year.

I

Temple of Beit el-Wali

A rock-cut temple built by Ramesses II early in his reign. Relocated to New Kalabsha, its interior walls feature well-preserved painted reliefs depicting the pharaoh’s military triumphs in Nubia and Libya.

J

Temple of Derr

This 19th Dynasty rock-cut temple was built by Ramesses II and dedicated to Ra-Horakhty. Originally located on the Nile's east bank, it was moved to the New Amada site during the UNESCO rescue campaign.

K

Temple of Kalabsha

The largest free-standing temple in Lower Nubia, constructed during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. Dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis, it was relocated to New Kalabsha near the High Dam.

L

Amon Temple

A New Kingdom temple built by Ramesses II as part of the Wadi es-Sebua complex. Dedicated to the god Amun, it features a courtyard lined with sphinxes and was later converted into a Christian church.

Other Lists

Nubian Monuments Essentials: Abu Simbel to Philae Nubian Religious Sites