Abu Simbel

As the Sun rises over southern Egypt next week, it will illuminate a 3200-year-old sanctuary. For a few minutes, the Sun will cast its rays upon the statues of three Egyptian gods — a powerful reminder of the religion of ancient Egypt, and of the great skill of its architects.

The sanctuary is part of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel. It was carved into a mountainside at the direction of Ramses the Great. The temple was dedicated to Re-Harakhte, the god of the rising Sun.

The Sun was one of the most important objects in ancient Egypt. The king was considered a son of Re, the Sun god. In fact, the name Ramses means “Re Has Fashioned Him.” The rising Sun was especially important because it brought the daily rebirth of the world.

The temple of Abu Simbel faces the rising Sun. Four giant statues of Ramses guard the entrance. So does a smaller statue of Re-Harakhte.

The temple’s innermost chamber extends 185 feet into the mountainside. It contains images of the Sun and Moon, including a s