Edfu Temple
Location
About
The Temple of Horus at Edfu is the best-preserved major temple in Egypt, built during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BCE. The massive pylon towers (36 meters high) are flanked by two enormous granite statues of Horus as a falcon. The temple's walls are covered with detailed ritual texts and reliefs that provide the most complete picture of ancient Egyptian temple ritual and mythology available anywhere.
Significance
Because Edfu's temple was covered by desert sand until the 19th century, its colors and inscriptions are remarkably vivid. The texts inscribed on the walls describe the entire program of Egyptian temple ritual, cosmology, and the Myth of Horus — making it the primary source for understanding how ancient Egyptian temples actually functioned. The annual Festival of the Beautiful Meeting, in which Hathor traveled from Dendera to visit Horus, was one of ancient Egypt's great religious celebrations.
History & Historical Arc
An earlier temple stood at Edfu from the Old Kingdom. The current Ptolemaic structure was begun by Ptolemy III in 237 BC…
Archaeological Notes
Mariette's excavations (1860) removed 12 meters of accumulated debris, revealing the temple almost perfectly intact bene…
Key Features & Structures
- Massive pylon towers (36m)
- Granite falcon statues of Horus
Visitor Information
Open daily. On the main Nile cruise route between Aswan and Luxor. Entry fee. Beautifully preserved colors.
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- Chassinat, Le Temple d'Edfou (1892-1934)