Lesson 8: Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is an important temple in southern Egypt. It was built by Ramesses II, one of the most powerful of the Egyptian pharaohs.

Abu Simbel is carved into a rock cliff. In front of it are four gigantic statues of Ramesses seated on his throne. Each statue is approximately 20 m (65 ft) high. Inside the temple there are more statues of Ramesses and his family. There are also many monuments to the Egyptian gods.

Did You Know?
In the 1960's the Egyptian government built a dam near Abu Simbel. The temple and the huge figures guarding it had to be moved to higher ground because the dam turned the area into a lake. Abu Simbel was rebuilt to within 5 cm of its original size and shape.

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