Not even over the jet lag yet, A and I were escorted to see ruins. Locating on Aglikia Island, southern Aswan, Temple of Philae was the first site for us to experience ancient Egyptian wonders. After stopping over High Dam, we came to the riverside of the Nile to take the boat, and not for long, we saw this beautiful well-preserved holy temple.
(The boat ride to the temple)
My head was very heavy due to the weariness. However, when catching this beautiful temple, my eyes were so wide open. The splendor of the Temple of Philae made all the running-around so worth it.
(The temple on the island)The most ancient part of this temple was built around 380BC, during the reign of Nectaneboe I, to dedicate to Goddess Isis, symbolizing love, beauty, and healing.
Most of the buildings were constructed around 280BC, during Ptolemic era. And others were under Roman period.As the temple now we could see, it was originally on Island of Philae, but due to Aswan Dam, the bottom of the temple was flooded most time of the year. Therefore, the Temple of Philae was moved to this new island in 1960’s, now 20 meters higher than before, with both technological and financial help sponsored from Italy and Germany.
This is the main temple. And the plaza outside.
Plaza from the other side.The two halls on both sides of the plaza were for Roman Emperor Tiberius, around 42-37 BC, to place the offerings when worshiping the Goddesses.
The temple was well preserved. The Goddess with a round crown was Hathor, symbolizing fertility. While the God with a bird head was Horus.
The images of Goddesses Hathor and Isis were everywhere in every corner of the temple.
The columns here in the Temple of Philae rank one of the most fascinating pillars of all the Egyptian ruins. They amaze all the Egyptologists with their detailed lotus design.
The contrast of light and shadow brought me back to the secret holy territory of 25000 years ago.
Fulfilled with classic Egyptian totems and inscriptions, this peaceful afternoon had satisfied my dream toward this ancient country.
The Pharaoh is offering wine to Goddess Isis (the left) and Hathor (the right).
Beside the main temple, Kiosk of Trajan, never been finished, was built during the Roman era.
The sound and light show at needs extra charge. This is the audience seats. They looked burning at the high temperature of 50 degrees Celsius in the afternoon.
Anyhow, this beautiful Temple of Philae gave me a very satisfactory start to my Middle Eastern Journey.
