Edfu Temple

The Temple of Edfu

The temple's origins can likely be traced back to the Second Intermediate Period, but the actual construction of the temple itself took place during the Ptolemaic period. The building process began under the rule of Ptolemy III around 237 BC and was completed during the reign of Ptolemy IV. Additional modifications were made by other Ptolemaic kings and even Roman Emperor Augustus. It took approximately 180 years to complete the temple, including the various additions, inscriptions, and reliefs.

The temple incorporates traditional elements of Egyptian temples from the New Kingdom and also includes a few Greek influences. One such example is the Mammisi, which is located to the west of the main entrance. The Mammisi, also known as the house of divine birth, consists of an entrance, courtyard, and chapel. The walls of the Mammisi are adorned with scenes depicting the story of Horus' divine birth in the presence of the goddess Hathor, the god Khenoum, and other deities and goddesses associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Temple consists of:

The Pylon, which is now considered the tallest surviving temple in Egypt, stands at a height of 37 meters. Its exterior is adorned with battle scenes depicting King Ptolemy VIII triumphing over his enemies in the presence of the god Horus.

An expansive courtyard, surrounded by columns adorned with floral capitals, stretches across three sides. This open space, known as the Court of Offerings, was accessible to the public and served as a place for individuals to present their offerings to the deity's statue.

The Hypostyle Hall, characterized by its rectangular shape, features a roof supported by twelve columns. Flanking the entrance of this hall are statues of Horus of Behdet, taking the form of falcons. This area is also referred to as the Outer Hypostyle Hall.

Beyond the first Hypostyle Hall lies the Inner Hypostyle Hall, accessed through another entrance. Its roof is upheld by twelve columns, while two rooms are located on either side. One of these rooms once served as a library, housing a substantial collection of manuscripts. The second room functioned as a storage area for the temple's utensils and tools.

Two consecutive vestibules can be found, with the outer one known as the Hall of Offerings. The walls of this vestibule are adorned with various scenes depicting different deities and offerings.

Indeed, some of these chambers served as storage rooms, while others were specifically designated for various religious purposes.

One of the most notable features of the temple is the presence of a Nilometer, along with a shrine that was consecrated to the goddess Nut.

Adorning the temple walls are numerous depictions of battle scenes, as well as the renowned portrayal of the temple's foundation ritual.

The Northern wall of the courtyard showcases the divine union between Hathor and Horus of Behdet, which was commemorated twice annually - once at the Dendara temple and again at the Edfu temple.

On the Northern wall of the courtyard, visitors can observe a scene illustrating Hathor's journey from Dendara to Edfu and back.

Another scene can be found on the inner corridor of the temple's western side, depicting the legendary conflict between Horus and Seth, and the triumphant victory of Horus over his uncle, culminating in his coronation as ruler of the world.