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Ramesses II built
seven temples. The most impressive was the Sun Temple. Built between 1301-1235 BC, it was
dedicated to four universal gods: Ptah, Re-Harakhte, Amun-Re, and to Ramesses II himself. The main temple is 108 feet high and 125 feet wide. The four seated statues are about 65 feet high and were carved from solid rock. Notice the carving above the doorway behind the four statues. It is of the god Re-Horakhte. He has the sun disk on his head and is wearing the falcon mask of Horus. |
 Photo courtesy and ©1996 Richard Deurer, Ancient Gallery Directory Used with permission. |
The smaller statues at
the feet of the four main ones are of Ramesses's wives and children: Queen Nofretari Prince Amenhirkhopshef the Kings mother Muttuya Princess Bent'anta probably Esenofre Princess Nebettawy Queen Muttuya Princess Nofretari Princess Merytamun Princess Beketmut Prince Ri'amsese Queen Nofretari |
 Photo courtesy and © 1992 Steven Beikirch, Ancient Egypt |
The entrance leads into a Grand Hall which is 57 feet high and 52 feet wide and was cut from the rock. Inside there are 8 huge pillars. Each pillar is a statue of Rameses dressed as Osiris. |
 Photo courtesy and © 1992 Steven Beikirch, Ancient Egypt |
The reliefs on the north wall of the Grand Hall show scenes from the Battle of Kadesh. Other walls depict the king slaughtering captives in front of the gods Amun-Re and Re-Harakhte, and storming a fortress with his three sons. |
 Photo courtesy and ©1996 Richard Deurer, Ancient Gallery Directory Used with permission. |
Twice a year around February 20-22nd and October 20-22nd the rays of the sun enter the front of the temple and shine on the statues inside. |
 Photo courtesy and © 1992 Steven Beikirch, Ancient Egypt |
A smaller temple was also built at Abu Simbel. It was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and to Nefertari, the favorite wife of Ramesses II. Both temples were dug in the Nubian sandstone cliff. |
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