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Valley of the Sun Kings: New Explorations in the Tombs of the Pharaohs, Edited by Richard H. Wilkinson

Probably no other single archaeological site in the world is as famous or has provoked the same degree of scholarly and popular interest as the Valley of the Kings-most famous as the burial place of Tutankhamun, but also the royal necropolis of Egypt’s pharaohs throughout five hundred years of their New Kingdom power. Revered as incarnate sons of the sun god who joined the solar deity at their death, these rulers were indeed “sun kings” whose monuments reflected their transcendent status in the magnificence of their construction and decoration.
To the ancient Egyptians, the royal valley was ta set aat “the Great Place,” and today it forms the largest open air museum in the world. Yet it is a “museum” with a difference. Excavation and study are ongoing, and the dedicated research of a number of Egyptologists working in this area is constantly providing new discoveries and understandings of the royal tombs-not least of which is the realization of the ever-increasing need for the successful conservation of these fragile monuments.
The chapters of this book reflect the ongoing scientific and public interest in this pre- eminent archaeological site and are based on papers given at the International Conference on the Valley of the Kings held atThe University of Arizona in October, 1994. Yet this book is certainly not a routine conference publication; the papers were specifically invited to show both the range of research and exploration which is currently being conducted and the new understandings of the royal tombs which have surfaced in the last few years.
Not all of the presented papers could be included here, but the major themes of the conference are all explored in the three sections of this volume: recent excavation of the monuments; new studies in the decorative art and funerary treasures found within the tombs; and finally, the urgent need for restoration and conservation which must continue to be addressed before more of the unique archaeological and cultural heritage of the royal valley is lost.

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Author: Richard H. Wilkinson

Publication Date: 1995

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The Philae Temple Complex, located on an island in the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt, is a stunning example of ancient Egyptian architecture and culture.

The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis, one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. Over the centuries, various rulers and dynasties expanded and modified the temple, resulting in a complex that showcased a rich blend of architectural styles and artistic traditions.

Despite being partially submerged by the waters of the Nile due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, the temple complex remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt and a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient Egyptians.

In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and features of the Temple of Isis at Philae, providing a glimpse into one of the most remarkable structures of the ancient world.

The Philae Temple Complex is one of Egypt’s most unique and historically significant sites. Located on an island in the Nile River, the complex is a collection of temples built by the ancient Egyptians over several centuries. The complex was originally dedicated to the goddess Isis, who was believed to be a mother figure and protector of Egypt.

The earliest known temple at Philae dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Nectanebo I (380-362 BC). This temple was dedicated to Isis and her husband, Osiris. During this time, Philae became a major center for the worship of Isis and Osiris. Many other temples were built on the island during this period, including ones dedicated to Horus, Hathor, and Sobek.

During the Ptolemaic period (323-30 BC), Philae underwent significant changes and additions. The most significant change was the construction of a large temple complex dedicated to Isis by Ptolemy II (285-246 BC). This temple complex featured two main temples: one dedicated to Isis and one dedicated to Osiris. It also included several smaller temples devoted to gods such as Horus and Hathor.

The Roman period (30 BC-395 AD) saw further changes at Philae. Emperor Augustus (63 BC-14 AD) built a new temple complex devoted to Isis on top of an older structure built by Ptolemy II. This new temple featured two main halls: one for worshipping Isis and one for worshipping Osiris. In addition, Augustus also added several other structures, such as a library, a theater, an amphitheater, and baths.

In 641 AD, Philae was conquered by Arabs, who destroyed much of its religious monuments to convert it into an Islamic site. However, some original temples were left intact due to their historical significance. In 1858 AD, British engineers restored many of these monuments to preserve them for future generations.

Today, the Philae Temple Complex is considered one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites due to its rich history spanning over three thousand years. It is also home to incredible artifacts, such as statues depicting various gods and goddesses from ancient Egyptian mythology and hieroglyphics telling stories about their lives and beliefs.

The Aswan Dam was built in 1960 and was designed to help control flooding along the Nile River. The dam also provided electricity to many parts of Egypt and Sudan. However, it threatened many historical sites along the river, including Philae Temple. The rising waters would have completely submerged this ancient monument if not for an international effort to save it.

In 1959, UNESCO launched an international campaign to save Philae Temple from being flooded by the Aswan Dam and Nile River. The campaign involved several countries worldwide coming together to raise funds for an ambitious project: moving Philae Temple away from its current location on an island in the Nile River to another nearby island that would be safe from flooding.

The project was successful, as engineers could move all of the temple’s blocks without damaging them. They then reconstructed them on their new island home, Agilkia Island, which was located just 500 meters away from its original location on Philae Island. This relocation saved Philae Temple from being flooded by both the Aswan Dam and the Nile River.

Visitors can still see this incredible monument on Agilkia Island, preserved since its relocation in 1960. It reminds us how international cooperation can help keep our cultural heritage even during significant change or danger.

Philae Temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open for visitors year-round to appreciate its unique beauty and history firsthand. It serves as a reminder that even though modernity may threaten our cultural heritage at times, we can still unite as a global community to protect it for future generations.

Valley of the Sun Kings: New Explorations in the Tombs of the Pharaohs, Edited by Richard H. Wilkinson

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