The Temple of Kom Ombo
About The Temple of Kom Ombo
Nile Valley, Egypt
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Oct 28, 2008
The Temple of Kom Ombo stands on the east bank of the Nile, right next to the river, about 4Km from the town. It was dedicated to two Gods, Horus and Sobek T he Temple was mainly dedicated to the God Sobek, the crocodile God, together with his wife, in another form of the Goddess Hathor. The Temple is of Greco-Roman structure, dating back to the year 119 BC, when Ptolemy VI, who started the construction, built it out of limestone. Neos Dionysus finished most of the building, while the Emperor Augustus added the final touches. The left side of the Temple was dedicated to the God Horus the elder, God of victory; Horus was known as the good doctor here! The Temple became famous for its healing power, becoming a major pilgrimage site. A healing cult was developed and the Temple became a sanctuary for many patients who were seeking help, and treatment, by the priests; they would fast for a night in the Temple precinct.
You can enter the Temple from the eastern side, where there is an ancient gate built by Ptolemy XII (Neos Dionysus), who was the father of Cleopatra VII (yes, the famous one!) To your right, after crossing the gate, you will find a small room that was built and dedicated to the Goddess Hathor. Nowadays it is used to display mummified crocodiles, which were found in the vicinity of the Temple.
The first pylon of the Temple is now destroyed and only stones from the foundation, and part of the wall remain. The court here was the construction of Tiberius.
You can enter the Temple from the eastern side, where there is an ancient gate built by Ptolemy XII (Neos Dionysus), who was the father of Cleopatra VII (yes, the famous one!) To your right, after crossing the gate, you will find a small room that was built and dedicated to the Goddess Hathor. Nowadays it is used to display mummified crocodiles, which were found in the vicinity of the Temple.
The first pylon of the Temple is now destroyed and only stones from the foundation, and part of the wall remain. The court here was the construction of Tiberius.
Oct 29, 2008
I can't tell you why but there is something about this temple that intrigues me. I have visited it twice.
Although the temple is not as well preserved as some, there is something special about the hieroglyphics. Alot of them have been carved deep so have withstood time well. Look at the remaining ceilings as color remains. I also like the medical instruments on the back left wall. For some reason this temple made me want to be able to read Hieroglyphics more than the others in Egypt.
Well worth visiting.
If you can, visit from the water. It is alot more impressive entrance and first view than going by bus.
Although the temple is not as well preserved as some, there is something special about the hieroglyphics. Alot of them have been carved deep so have withstood time well. Look at the remaining ceilings as color remains. I also like the medical instruments on the back left wall. For some reason this temple made me want to be able to read Hieroglyphics more than the others in Egypt.
Well worth visiting.
If you can, visit from the water. It is alot more impressive entrance and first view than going by bus.
May 25, 2010
Check out this old temple, not as beautifull as the ones in Luxor and Karnak, but interesting as well.
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