Ancient Egypt – Edfu

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Ancient Egypt - Edfu 2
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This temple took over 180 years to build and was a late addition as far as the ancient civilization was concerned. Constructed between 237 BC and 57 BC during the reigns of six Ptolemies, its style is thought to be typical of the Ptolemaic period, which marked the beginning of the end of the ancient Egyptian civilization (the Greco-Roman period). This temple is thought to be the best preserved of the ancient temples of this time.

Ancient Egypt - Edfu 1
Ancient Egypt - Edfu 3
The Temple of Horus has a massive entrance way decorated with deep relief carvings.

Many contend that this temple was built on the site of the final battle between the hawk god, Horus, and Seth. Horus was seeking revenge on the death of his brother Osiris (or father depending on which legend you read). The temple that was constructed here is devoted exclusively to Horus.

Ancient Egypt - Edfu 4
Horus was among the most important gods of Egypt, particularly because the Pharaoh was supposed to represent him on Earth. Horus is traditionally depicted as having the body of a man with the head of a falcon or hawk.

Within the temple walls, the reliefs depict feasts and the annual reunion between Horus and his wife Hathor (whose temple is located at Dendara). During the third month of every summer, the statue of Hathor was placed on a barge and sent over to Edfu where it was believed Hathor and Horus shared a conjugal visit. The pylons of the main temple are near 40 metres tall with scenes of Horus in battle with enemies. Within the temple is a famous hall called the Hypostyle hall, which many architects feel shows one of the finest uses of natural light to portray a feeling of mystery within.

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