Description
The Ptolemaic temple at Edfu (105Km/65 miles north of Aswan), built from 257—337 BC, is the best preserved and one of the finest in Egypt. Built in classis pharaonic style, it gives a clear idea of the appearance and purpose of an Egyptian temple, and explanations are inscribed on the walls. The site was chosen because the falcon-headed god Horus fought here with Seth for power over the world. Visitors approach the temple from the back. It’s best to start from the First Pylon, fronted by two falcons. Carvings on the inside walls record the annual Festival of the Beautiful Meeting, where the statue of Horus joined the statue of Hathor at her temple in Dandara. The annual Festival Hall and recipes for incense and perfumes line the walls of a small side chamber. During the New Year festival, the statue of Horus was carried on to the roof to be revitalized by the sun. Outside the temple is the British Horus Being suckled by his mother Isis.
