Why is the Philae Temple so important?
Table of Contents
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Introduction
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When was Philae Temple built?
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Why was the Philae Temple moved?
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Facts about Philae Temple
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What is Paganism, and how is it related to the temple of Philae?
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Who is the goddess in the Temple of Philae?
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When will you visit the temple of Philae on a Swan Dahabiya Cruise?
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What are the timings of Philae Temple?
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Conclusion
Introduction
The Philae Temple near Aswan, in Egypt, is one of the most mesmerizing temples of Egypt because of its architecture and its location, which is on the Agilkia Island. The temple narrates the stories of ancient Egypt and its devotion towards a major goddess, Isis, as Philae Temple, a major religious place, is dedicated to the goddess Isis. The beautiful carvings on the walls of the temple are like living proof of history that has brought the legacy of the Egyptian cultures to the new ages.
On your cruise trips, the Philae temple is one of the major sites that most tourists visit. On 4-5 day trips with the all-inclusive Dahabiya Nile Cruise in Egypt, tourists get to explore the temple with experienced tour guides, who narrate the stories of the timeless architectural legacy of Egypt in easy and simple words.
In this blog, learn about the significance of the Philae Temple and learn about the unique facts that make it a world heritage site in Egypt. Why it is moved, when to visit, timings, and all the major things that travellers must know before paying a visit to the beautiful temple of Philae.
When was Philae Temple built?
The temple was built a long time ago, during the Greek and Roman kings’ ruling of the Egyptian lands. Construction of the historical landmark was started in 380 BCE, and the final carvings and construction were finished in 400 BCE. The time taken in the completion of the temple reflects its complex designs and the hard work of the Egyptian and Greek engineers who carved the legacy of human achievement through these temples.
The temple’s major parts are built in the Greek-Roman style. Key structures of the temple include pylons, a forecourt, a hall with lotus columns, and a mammisi (birth house). Mostly granite is used as a core stone to build the temple. This is one of the youngest ancient temples in Egypt and also the best-preserved monument on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why was the Philae Temple moved?
This Egyptian temple has a preservation record in which it is moved block by block; the temple is moved to the nearby island of Agilkia to preserve it from submersion.
Why has it happened?
- Originally, the temple was built on Philae Island in the Nile River, but there a dam is being planned to control the flood.
- The temple, due to flooding of water, usually goes underwater, which is destroying the carvings.
- So between 1972 and 1979, the temple was carefully moved to the Agilkia Island and also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- This happened to save and protect the symbol of ancient civilization and great artwork.
Facts about Philae Temple
- The temple is the youngest ancient historical monument.
- The blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architecture sets the temple apart from other religious monuments.
- It is the temple that is moved completely to a new island to save it from the flooding waters.
- This historical monument is the last wonder of Egypt where hieroglyphs are used.
- The temple is dedicated to the most honored goddess, Isis.
- It is the symbol of paganism.
What is Paganism, and how is it related to the temple of Philae?
In simple words, paganism means worshipping multiple gods and goddesses, not just one god. The pagan religions are those in which rituals, offerings, and prayers are organized. During the 6th century AD, under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the place where the goddess Isis is worshipped is used by the Christian community as a major spot for prayers.
Who is the goddess in the Temple of Philae?
The goddess Isis is a major mythological figure in Egyptian history. She symbolizes motherhood, magic, healing, and protection. It is believed that the goddess Isis has special magic and powers, which she uses to heal people and bring life. As a protector, her roles are seen as protector of souls in the afterlife.
Major symbols to represent Isis that are used are:
- A throne-shaped crown on the head
- The ankh, related to the goddess Isis and seen as a symbol of life in Egyptian culture.
- Wings in some prescriptions or carvings symbolize protection.
The goddess Isis is one of the most famous and most popular deities in Egypt and even in some parts of Greece and Rome. Another story, which is linked to the goddess Isis, is that by using the power of life, the goddess Isis has brought her husband, Osiris, back to life after he was killed, showing extraordinary powers like eternal forces.
When will you visit the temple of Philae on a Swan Dahabiya Cruise?
- On the 4-day/3-night Swan Dahabiya from Aswan, the tourist first visits the Philae Temple before leaving on the exploration journey along the River Nile.
- On the 5-day/4-night Best Dahabiya Nile cruise from Luxor, on the 4th day in the morning, tourists explore the temple of Philae, as the trip started in Luxor and ended in Aswan.
What are the timings of Philae Temple?
7:00 AM to 4:00 PM is the noon timing of the temple.
When is the light & sound show organized in the Temple of Philae?
- The duration of the light and sound show is 2 hours.
- In winters the first show happens around 6:45 PM, and the second starts at around 7:45 PM.
- In Summer’s first show starts around 7:00 PM, and the second show starts at 8:15 PM.
Conclusion
While choosing the Nile River cruise dahabiya itinerary, ensure that it covers the exploration journey to the Temple of Philae. The experiences there are very worthwhile because of its hieroglyphs and well-preserved carvings. Today, the temple of Philae strongly stands as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Egyptian history. The English-speaking tour guides on Swan Dahabiya cruises make the exploration journey more impactful and mesmerizing.