Temple of Hathor

Description

Temple of Hathor at Dendara lacks the sublime quality of Seti’s edifice at Abydos, but its fabulous astronomical ceiling and nearly intact rooftop sanctuaries offer a unique insight into the solar rituals at other cult sites where they have not survived. Dendara also shows how Egypt’s Greek and Roman rulers identified themselves with the pharaohs and deities of Ancient Egypt by copying their temples, and the feet of royalty were shown with all their toes (instead of only the big toe, as the Ancient Egyptians did).

The temple is also pleasing for the completeness of its mud-brick enclosure walls and its rural setting, with rooftop views of lush countryside and arid hills of the Western Desert. Approaching it by road from Qena, across the Nile, you will pass fields of onions and clover, donkey carts and camels an enjoyable ride by calèche if you have got time to spare or decide to stay in Qena. Most tourists visit Dendara together with the temple at Abydos.