Edfu Temple

Edfu temple

Edfu Temple is one of the most striking temple in ancient Egyptian temples located on the western bank of the Nile, its construction started during the reign of Ptolemy III in 237 BC, and it was completed in the reign of Ptolemy XII in 57 BC, 180 years later, also temple was built on top of older ruins goes back to Ramses III.

The architectural and decorative elements have survived so well as the temple remained buried under centuries of sand and silt until the nineteenth century when the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette rediscovered the site and restored parts of the temple in 1860.

The temple

has 2 massive pylons in the front that bear scenes of Ptolemy XII conquering his enemies. also there are 2 large granite statues of the falcon-god Horus standing before the pylons. after you pass through the pylons you get into a large Peristyle court lined with columns decorated with floral capitals, behind the court there are two Hypostyle Halls, one illustrates the temple’s foundation with the king engaged in worship, and the second has scenes of Horus’ journey in a sacred bark accompanied by the goddess Hathor.