Visit Edfu Temple, this Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the place after the pagan cult was banned, the temple is dedicated to Horus, the avenging son of Isis and Osiris. With its roof intact, it is also one of the most atmospheric of ancient buildings.
Edfu was a settlement and cemetery site from around 3000 BC onward. It was the 'home' and cult centre of the falcon god Horus of Behdet (the ancient name for Edfu), although the Temple of Horus as it exists today is Ptolemaic. Started by Ptolemy III (246–221 BC) on 23 August 237 BC, on the site of an earlier and smaller New Kingdom structure, the sandstone temple was completed some 180 years later by Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos, Cleopatra VII’s father. In conception and design it follows the general plan, scale, ornamentation and traditions of Pharaonic architecture, right down to the Egyptian attire worn by Greek pharaohs depicted in the temple’s reliefs. Although it is much newer than cult temples at Luxor or Abydos, its excellent state of preservation helps to fill in many historical gaps; it is, in effect, a 2000-year-old example of an architectural style that was already archaic during Ptolemaic times.
Two hundred years ago the temple was buried by sand, rubble and part of the village of Edfu, which had spread over the roof. Excavation was begun by Auguste Mariette in the mid-19th century. Today the temple is entered via a long row of shops selling tourist tat, and a new visitors centre that houses the ticket office, clean toilets, a cafeteria and a room for showing a 15-minute film on the history of the temple in English.
Then Scout Kom Ombo temple, which Standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank, is the Temple of Kom Ombo, one of the Nile Valley's most beautifully sited temples. Unique in Egypt, it is dedicated to two gods; the local crocodile god Sobek, and Haroeris, meaning Horus the Elder.
The temple's twin dedication is reflected in its plan: perfectly symmetrical along the main axis of the temple, there are twin entrances, two linked hypostyle halls with carvings of the two gods on either side, or twin sanctuaries. It is assumed that there were also two priesthoods. The left (western) side of the temple was dedicated to the god Haroeris, and the right (eastern) half to Sobek.
Reused blocks suggest an earlier temple from the Middle Kingdom period, but the main temple was built by Ptolemy VI Philometor, and most of its decoration was completed by Cleopatra VII’s father, Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos. The temple’s spectacular riverside setting has resulted in the erosion of some of its partly Roman forecourt and outer sections, but much of the complex has survived and is very similar in layout to the Ptolemaic temples of Edfu and Dendara, albeit smaller.
Explore Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple Tours
Flying Carpet Tours Guide will escort you early in the morning to a fancy excursion to Edfu Temple which was dedicated to Horus, it is considered one of the best temples in ancient Egypt, it is the second largest temple after Karnak, once you enter the temple you beguile your eyes with the pillars located in the hall with its photos for Hathor God as well as Horus God, then continue driving to Kom Ombo, where you’ll visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, which was dedicated to The Crocodile God Sobek, That temple was built in the early second century by Ptolemy VI Philometor, the temple consists of two Temples Haroeris Temple as well as Sobek Temple, watch the pillars at the main hall which has drawing pharaohs at the columns, it contains some remains of the pharaohs, also you will discover beside Kom Ombo Village some tombs belong to the old Kingdom , finally flying carpet tours guide will escort you back to your hotel in Luxor.
Included
• Pick up and drop off to your hotel in Luxor
• Air-conditioned van Luxor / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Luxor
• Excursion to Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples as mentioned at the above program
• Entrance fees to the above mentioned sites
• English speaking guide at the sites mentioned above
• Bottle of Mineral Water during Luxor Excursion
• All transfers by air-conditioned Van
• All service charges and taxes
Excluded
• Visa to Egypt
• Any optional tours required
• Tipping
For more info about Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple Tours:
E-mail: sales@flyingcarpettours.com
Website: www.flyingcarpettours.com
Tel.: +201099906242
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