Kalabsha Temple

In this article, we delve into the captivating history and significance of Kalabsha Temple, a remarkable blend of Egyptian and Greek influences, relocated to protect its heritage near Aswan High Dam.

Written by ETP TEAM

Published Jun 26, 2021 Updated Nov 05, 2023 6 min read

Summary

Kalabsha Temple is an impressive ancient site located near the Aswan High Dam in Aswan, Egypt, making it the first stop for Nile River Cruises on Lake Nasser.
The temple features a stone causeway leading to the first pylon and a colonnaded court with eight columned hypostyle halls adorned with captivating hieroglyphs and reliefs.
It was originally built in 30 BC during the Roman period to honor the Nubian sub-god Mandulis, atop an older sanctuary of Pharaoh Amenhotep II.
The temple offers historical records, including a Roman governor's order to ban pigs and inscriptions related to the Christian king of the Nubian kingdom of Nobatia.
Kalabsha Temple was relocated to its current location to protect it from Lake Nasser's rising waters after the Aswan High Dam's construction.
The temple represents a unique blend of Egyptian and Greek imagery and is famous for its well-preserved reliefs, columns, and its picturesque location on Lake Nasser.

The impressive Kalabsha temple is a wonderful site that is located within the view of the Aswan High Dam in Aswan and it is the first stop for any Nile River Cruise on Nasser Lake. Once you arrive there, you will walk along its bewitching stone causeway that leads to the temple’s first pylon. Then, you will pass a colonnaded court where there are 8 columned hypostyle halls. The amazing hieroglyphs & reliefs on its walls tell us a lot about the Greek Pharaohs and the ancient Egyptian gods & goddesses.

Location and How to Get Kalabsha Temple

Kalabsha Temple is found on the far southern end of Lake Nasser in proximity to the Aswan High Dam, just 50 km south of Aswan. In order to gain entrance to the temple, it is advised to book with a travel agency that will provide the most ideal vehicle with a skilled driver and knowledgeable tour guide.

History of Kalabsha Temple

Kalabsha temple was originally built around 30 BC during the Roman age, in the reign of Augustus which left it unfinished till this current day. It was built to honor the lower Nubian sub-god known as merul or mandulis which was made on top of an older sanctuary of Pharaoh Amenhotep II. This Temple is known to be 22 m wide and 76 m long, the structure may date to the Roman period but it holds a number of reliefs showcasing Horus coming out from the reeds across the wall of the inner curtain.

The temple holds a staircase that leads from the sanctuary chambers to the roof of the temple where everyone can have a magnificent view of the entire temple and the sacred lake. Inscribed across the temple's walls are a number of historical records showcasing a number of important information in 250 AD the famed Roman Governor Aurelius Besarion ordered the forbidden of pigs in the temple" as well as an informative inscription of the Christian king of the Nubian kingdom of NobatiaSilko dating to the 5th century that displays his victory over the Blemmyes and also an image of him as a Roman soldier on horseback. With incredible assistance from Germany, the temple was relocated to its current location to safeguard it from the dangerous rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

This relocation process took over two years in the 60s with support from all over the world. Kalabsha temple was the biggest free-standing temple in Egyptian Nubia which was rock-cut just like Abu Simbel. The Temple is considered a prime example of ancient Egyptian architecture found in Nubia. Egypt expressed great gratitude to Germany in 1971 for their pivotal role in rescuing the Nubian temples by gifting one of Kalabsha temple's gates. This gate has been housed in Berlin's Egyptian Museum since 1977, but plans are underway to move it to serve as the grand entrance to the 4th wing of the Pergamon Museum found in Berlin.

The Reasons for Building Kalabsha Temple

Reasons for Building Kalabsha Temple - Egypt Tours Portal

The temple of Kalabsha was built at the end of the Ptolemaic period and it was completed during the reign of Augustus, the Roman emperor. The temple was mainly dedicated to the Nubian god, Mandulis. After the construction of the High Dam, Kalapsha temple was relocated from its original spot around 30 miles to the south.

The temple of Kalabsha represents a unique combination of imagery of the ancient Egyptian & Greek themes, mythologies, and religion. The large Pylon of the temple is connected to the complex by a large wall. You can also enjoy an amazing view of the lake and the high dam from the temple’s roof by taking the stairs up to the upper part of the temple.

The Relocation Process of Kalabsha Temple

Relocation Process of Kalabsha Temple - Egypt Tours Portal

Kalapsha temple was almost destroyed by the flooding waters of Lake Nasser but fortunately, it was moved & rescued with other monuments with the assistance of UNESCO in the 1960s, and that operation was mainly conducted by the German Republic. The temple of Kalabsha was originally located 56 km from Aswan and now if you decide to visit Aswan High Dam, you will be able to visit the temple with a pair of binoculars. During the process of the temple’s relocation, a granite gateway was discovered by the workers and it was offered to the Berlin Agyptisches Museum.

You will find lots of amazing things to have a look at including a hypostyle hall, an open court, some impressive Ptolemaic columns, and some screen walls. The decorations inside reveal lots of secrets and information about the ritual scenes including the great Southern Egyptian gods like Khnum and Min.

Kalabsha Temple Facts

Kalabsha Temple is an excellent example of Roman-era temple architecture in Egypt, as it holds a massive sandstone outer enclosure wall with a pylon (entrance gate) and a courtyard the interior contains a hypostyle hall with columns and a sanctuary where the statue of the Nubian deity was once housed.
The temple is renowned for its well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions depicting various deities, pharaohs, and scenes from Egyptian mythology and history, one of which belongs to the Roman Emperor Augustus in the presence of Egyptian deities.
It was constructed during the Roman period around 30 BC to 14 AD on the west bank of Lake Nasser, approximately 50 kilometers south of Aswan.
The primary deity worshipped at Kalabsha Temple is Mandulis, a Nubian form of the sun god Horus. Mandulis is often depicted as a human figure wearing a headdress with solar disks.
Kalabsha Temple is a popular tourist attraction in the Aswan region due to its possession of well-preserved reliefs, columns, and the beautiful surroundings of Lake Nasser.
The temple is found next to a number of great temples which include the Beit el-Wali Temple and the Kiosk of Qertassi, which have been moved to a higher ground during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
The relocation and restoration of Kalabsha Temple were part of Egypt's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. These efforts ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate the historical and architectural significance of this ancient temple.

Kalabsha Temple Gallery & Photos

Marvelous Aswan Day Tours

If you get the chance to spend sufficient time in Aswan, don’t miss the chance of being in that magnificent temple that is full of the great magic of ancient Egypt and start your adventure in exploring the most captivating ancient Egyptian sites in the Nubian city through Aswan day tours.

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