Great Temple of Ramses II

Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, which only was rediscovered in 1813, was carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, and was dedicated to the gods Ra-Harakhty, Amun and Ptah and Ramses II pharaoh himself. But mostly, with its four colossal statues of Ramses II addressing the river, it was designed as a show of strength, an awesome quarteted sentinel watching over any boats sailing into Ramses II's lands from the south.


Famous colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically, with accompany of larger than life size statues of pharaoh's mother Queen Tuya, his wife Nefertari and some of their children at this massive rock-cut facade. Above the entrance is figure of the falcon-headed sun god Ra-Harakhty.


Large hall inside the Great Temple of Ramses II, supported by eight columns, each fronted by a 10-m high statue of Ramses. The roof is decorated with vultures, which are protective figures symbolizing the goddess Nekhbet.


Reliefs on the wall of the temple, this photo taken by Sing Wei.


Other wall reliefs at other hall.