Why was the Abu Simbel moved?

Moving the temple Abu Simbel survived through ancient times, only to be threatened by modern progress. Because the site would soon be flooded by the rising Nile, it was decided that the temples should be moved.

Which temples would have been flooded by the Aswan High Dam?

And from December to March, Philae Temple, one of many such casualties, sat mostly engulfed, only its top peeking above the water. “The first Aswan Dam flooded Philae Temple from December to March, with only its top peeking above the water.

What happened to the Abu Simbel temples in 1964?

In 1964, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular dismantling and reassembly projects was begun in Egypt. To rescue the ancient temples in Abu Simbel from the waters of the Nile, the temples had to be relocated.

Why are statues at Abu Simbel broken?

The Pharaoh is shown wearing the Pshent, or Double Crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The head of the second statue from the left is broken off and laying on the ground in front of the statue. This happened during an earthquake just after the temple was completed.

How was the temple of Abu Simbel moved?

The temples were not built of stone or any other material, but were instead carved into a cliff. To move the temples, the rock above the temple roofs first had to be “peeled away”. The roofs, walls and not the least the temple facades were then cut into blocks, each weighing between 20 and 30 tons.

Why is the Abu Simbel important?

It was dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses himself. It is generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II, and one of the most beautiful in Egypt.

Why is the Abu Simbel so important?

What is unique about Abu Simbel?

1. The Abu Simbel Temple is actually two individual temples, both rock cut structures, and both built during the reign of King Ramses II sometime in the 1200 B.C. time period. One temple is dedicated to King Ramses II, and the second temple is dedicated to his beloved wife Queen Nefertari.

What are 5 facts about Abu Simbel?

Top 10 Facts about Abu Simbel Temple

• Construction of the temples began in the 13th century.
• Abu Simbel temple was dedicated to the sun gods.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Queen Nefertari was King Ramses II favourite wife.
• The Abu Simbel temple was relocated.
• It was forgotten until the 19th century.