SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 — ASWAN: ABU SIMBEL

• Breakfast onboard
• Dawn bus ride, and visit, to Abu Simbel (slide show)
• Overnight in Aswan

Early this morning (to avoid the crowds) we’ll visit one of the most recognizable symbols of Egypt, the Temples of Abu Simbel (see large image above). Here, Ramses II (aka Ramses The Great and quite likely the Pharoah who let the Jewish slaves leave Egypt) reminds his contemporaries — and history — of his might and power. The Temples of Abu Simbel were relocated in 1968 to escape the rising waters when Lake Nasser filled behind Aswan Dam.

The Great Temple is dedicated to the Gods Re-Hor-Akhty, Amon, Ptah … and Ramses II as a god. It commemorates Ramses II’s victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The original and relocated Temple is oriented so sunlight reaches the deep sanctuary twice a year, on February 22 and October 22.

You’ll also visit the nearby (50 yards away) Temple of Queen Nefertari (Ramses II’s principal wife), dedicated to the Goddess Hathor. Gain a perspective into the human nature with the inscription on a main temple buttress: “for the Great Royal Wife Nefertari Meryetmut, for whose sake the (very) sun does shine”.

Map

»» From World Bank Report No: ICR 2447: The Nile River Basin »»