The Golden Era: When Was the Abu Simbel Built and Why?
When was the Abu Simbel built? This question often comes up when exploring the history of ancient Egypt’s most impressive monuments. The Abu Simbel temples, carved into solid rock in southern Egypt, stand as a powerful symbol of Pharaoh Ramses II’s reign, combining monumental architecture, religious devotion, and political ambition that has lasted for over three thousand years.
The History of Abu Simbel
To understand when was the Abu Simbel built, it helps to look at the historical background that led to its construction. Abu Simbel is not just a temple complex—it is a political, religious, and artistic statement from one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful eras.
Commissioned by Ramses II
Abu Simbel was commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II, who ruled Egypt during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. His reign, which lasted from 1279 to 1213 BCE, was marked by military strength, extensive building projects, and strong religious symbolism.
Construction Period
Most historians agree that construction of the Abu Simbel temples began around 1264 BCE and took approximately 20 years to complete. This places the completion of the temples around 1244 BCE, firmly answering the question of when was the Abu Simbel built.
Purpose of the Temples
The temples were built to:
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Honor the major gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah
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Deify Ramses II during his lifetime
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Demonstrate Egyptian power in Nubia, a strategically important region
Burial by Sand and Rediscovery
Over centuries, Abu Simbel became partially buried by desert sand, preserving much of its structure. It remained largely hidden until its rediscovery in the early 19th century.
Modern History and Preservation
In the 1960s, the temples were relocated to avoid flooding from the Aswan High Dam, ensuring their survival for future generations.
The history of Abu Simbel clearly shows that the temples were built in the 13th century BCE, making them over 3,200 years old and a lasting answer to when was the Abu Simbel built.
when was the abu simbel built?
The Abu Simbel temples were built in the 13th century BCE, during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II.
Construction is believed to have begun around 1264 BCE and continued for about 20 years, with the temples completed around 1244 BCE. This places Abu Simbel firmly in the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, a time known for monumental architecture and strong royal power.
So, when answering when was the Abu Simbel built, the most accurate and widely accepted answer is that it was constructed between 1264 and 1244 BCE, over 3,200 years ago.
Abu Simbel Temple Relocation
The Abu Simbel Temple relocation is one of the most remarkable preservation projects in modern history and an essential chapter in understanding the monument’s full story after it was built.
Why Abu Simbel Had to Be Moved
In the 1950s and 1960s, Egypt began constructing the Aswan High Dam, which led to the creation of Lake Nasser. Once completed, the rising water levels threatened to submerge the Abu Simbel temples permanently.
Without intervention, the temples—built more than 3,000 years earlier—would have been lost underwater.
UNESCO’s International Rescue Effort
In 1960, UNESCO launched a global campaign to save Abu Simbel. Engineers, archaeologists, and experts from over 50 countries collaborated on a solution, making it one of the first large-scale international heritage rescue projects.
How the Relocation Was Done
Between 1964 and 1968, the temples were:
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Carefully cut into more than 1,000 massive stone blocks
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Each block weighed between 20 and 30 tons
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Transported and reassembled 65 meters higher and about 200 meters inland
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Reconstructed to match the original orientation and appearance
An artificial hill was built to recreate the original cliff setting.
Preserving the Solar Alignment
A major challenge was maintaining the famous solar alignment inside the Great Temple. Engineers succeeded, with the phenomenon continuing to occur almost exactly as before, shifting by only about one day.
Historical Importance of the Relocation
The Abu Simbel Temple relocation:
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Saved one of Egypt’s greatest monuments from destruction
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Set new standards for archaeological preservation
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Became a symbol of global cooperation in protecting cultural heritage
Today, Abu Simbel stands not only as proof of ancient Egyptian genius, but also as a testament to modern engineering and international collaboration.
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King Ramses the Second: Builder of Abu Simbel
King Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, was the pharaoh responsible for building the Abu Simbel temples, making him central to the question of when was the Abu Simbel built and why it exists.
Who Was Ramses II?
Ramses II ruled Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BCE during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. He is one of Egypt’s longest-reigning and most powerful pharaohs, known for military campaigns, diplomacy, and massive construction projects.
Why Ramses II Built Abu Simbel
Ramses II commissioned Abu Simbel to:
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Demonstrate his divine status and eternal power
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Honor major gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah
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Assert Egyptian authority over Nubia, a strategically important southern region
The temples were intended to inspire awe and loyalty among both Egyptians and neighboring peoples.
Ramses II and Monumental Architecture
Abu Simbel was part of a much larger building program that included:
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The Ramesseum in Thebes
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Expansions at Karnak and Luxor Temples
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Numerous statues and monuments across Egypt
These projects reinforced Ramses II’s image as a god-king.
His Legacy at Abu Simbel
Ramses II is honored at Abu Simbel through:
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Four colossal seated statues at the temple entrance
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His deified statue in the inner sanctuary
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Reliefs showing his military victories and divine favor
Because of Ramses II’s vision and ambition, Abu Simbel remains one of the clearest answers to when was the Abu Simbel built and why it was created—during the height of Egypt’s New Kingdom power.
What is the Sun Feast?
The Sun Feast at Abu Simbel is a rare astronomical and religious event linked to the famous solar alignment inside the Great Temple of Abu Simbel. It is one of the most remarkable achievements of ancient Egyptian engineering and belief.
The Solar Alignment Explained
Twice a year—around February 22 and October 22—the rising sun enters the Great Temple and travels down its long corridor to the inner sanctuary. During this moment:
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The statues of Ramses II, Amun, and Ra-Horakhty are illuminated
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The statue of Ptah, god of the underworld, remains in shadow
This precise event is what is commonly referred to as the Sun Feast.
Religious and Symbolic Meaning
The Sun Feast symbolized:
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The divine status of Ramses II, who appears among the gods
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The harmony between the sun, the gods, and the pharaoh
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Renewal, power, and cosmic order in ancient Egyptian belief
Many scholars believe the dates may correspond to Ramses II’s birthday and coronation, though this remains debated.
Why It Is Considered Extraordinary
The Sun Feast is considered exceptional because:
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The temple was carved over 3,000 years ago
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The alignment still works with near-perfect accuracy
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It continued even after the temple’s relocation in the 1960s, shifting by only about one day
Modern Celebration
Today, the Sun Feast is celebrated with:
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Cultural events and performances
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Visitors gathering to witness the sunrise alignment
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Recognition of Abu Simbel as a blend of science, religion, and architecture
The Sun Feast perfectly illustrates why Abu Simbel is more than a monument—it is a living example of ancient knowledge, directly connected to understanding when was the Abu Simbel built and how advanced its builders truly were.
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Visiting the Abu Simbel Temple
Visiting the Abu Simbel Temple is a memorable experience that combines history, engineering, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re interested in learning when was the Abu Simbel built or witnessing its famous solar alignment, planning ahead helps make the visit smooth and rewarding.
Where Abu Simbel Is Located
Abu Simbel is located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan, on the western shore of Lake Nasser. It is about 280 kilometers south of Aswan.
How to Get There
You can reach Abu Simbel by:
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Domestic flight from Aswan (the fastest option)
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Private car or guided tour from Aswan (usually a very early start)
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Organized convoys or tours arranged by hotels or travel agencies
Best Time to Visit
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October to April for cooler weather
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Early morning visits are ideal to avoid heat and crowds
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February and October are popular due to the Sun Feast
What to Expect On-Site
Visitors can explore:
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The Great Temple of Ramses II
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The Small Temple of Queen Nefertari
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Interior halls with reliefs and statues
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Views over Lake Nasser
Visitor Tips
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Wear comfortable walking shoes
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Bring sun protection and water
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Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted indoors
Visiting Abu Simbel offers a deeper appreciation of ancient Egyptian skill and vision, especially when you understand when was the Abu Simbel built and how it has survived for over three millennia.
Inside Abu Simbel Temple Tour
An inside Abu Simbel Temple tour reveals the incredible detail, symbolism, and engineering hidden behind the colossal façade. Stepping inside the temples helps visitors truly understand when was the Abu Simbel built and how advanced its creators were more than 3,000 years ago.
Inside the Great Temple of Ramses II
As you enter the Great Temple, you’ll walk through a series of carefully designed spaces:
The Hypostyle Hall
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Supported by eight massive Osiride pillars, each carved as Ramses II
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Walls covered with reliefs showing military victories, including the Battle of Kadesh
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Scenes emphasize Ramses II’s strength and divine support
The Second Hall and Corridor
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Narrower passageways decorated with religious carvings
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Ritual scenes showing offerings to the gods
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A gradual movement toward the sacred heart of the temple
The Inner Sanctuary
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Contains statues of Ra-Horakhty, Amun, Ptah, and Ramses II
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Famous for the solar alignment, when sunlight reaches this chamber twice a year
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Ptah remains in darkness, symbolizing the underworld
Inside the Small Temple of Nefertari
The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor:
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Elegant wall reliefs showing Nefertari participating in rituals
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Hathor-headed columns inside the hall
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One of the rare examples where a queen is honored almost equally to a pharaoh
What Makes the Interior Special
Inside Abu Simbel, visitors experience:
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Precise symmetry and alignment
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Deep religious symbolism carved into stone
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A powerful blend of architecture, art, and astronomy
An inside Abu Simbel Temple tour transforms the visit from sightseeing into understanding—bringing to life the history behind when was the Abu Simbel built and why it remains one of ancient Egypt’s greatest achievements.
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FAQ
When was the Abu Simbel built?
The Abu Simbel temples were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II, with construction beginning around 1264 BCE and completed approximately 1244 BCE, during Egypt’s New Kingdom period.
Who built Abu Simbel?
Abu Simbel was built by King Ramses II as a monument to honor the gods and to glorify himself as a divine ruler.
Why was Abu Simbel built?
The temples were built to:
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Honor the gods Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah
-
Deify Ramses II during his lifetime
-
Demonstrate Egyptian power in Nubia, near Egypt’s southern border
What is the Sun Feast at Abu Simbel?
The Sun Feast is a solar alignment event that occurs twice a year, when sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary and illuminates specific statues, showcasing advanced ancient astronomical knowledge.
Why was Abu Simbel relocated?
Abu Simbel was relocated in the 1960s to prevent it from being flooded by Lake Nasser, which formed after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
How long did it take to relocate Abu Simbel?
The relocation took about four years, from 1964 to 1968, and involved cutting the temples into more than 1,000 stone blocks.
Can visitors go inside Abu Simbel today?
Yes, visitors can explore both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Small Temple of Queen Nefertari, including their interior halls and sanctuaries.
Conclusion
Understanding when was the Abu Simbel built reveals much more than a date—it uncovers the ambition, belief, and advanced knowledge of ancient Egypt. Constructed in the 13th century BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II, Abu Simbel was designed to project divine power, honor the gods, and secure Egypt’s influence in Nubia. Its survival through centuries of sand burial and its remarkable relocation in the 20th century further highlight its global importance. Today, Abu Simbel stands as a timeless masterpiece, connecting ancient ingenuity with modern preservation and continuing to inspire visitors from around the world.
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