The Temple of Edfu

The Edfu Temple is the best preserved temple in Egypt. It was begun built in 327 b.c. by Ptolemy III, and was in use till "the end", with construction continued by Queen Cleopatra VII, the last queen of Egypt. It is a relatively young temple.

The front shows illustrations of Horus and Hathor, and captives offered in sacrifice to the gods. The four niches held flagstaffs when the temple was in use.

The Temple of Edfu was actually not the first one here. It was built on top of a temple built for Thutmosis III by the famous architect Imhotep, who later was proclaimed a god himself because of his great works. You find him pictured in that role at the temple of Kom Ombo.

Guarding the entrance of the temple are two statues of the god Horus. Horus was originally seen as a god of the sky, whose eyes are the Sun and the Moon. His importance was such that he was equalled with the king. The pharaoh was seen as a human manifestation of the god Horus.

One of the main points of interest of the Temple of Edfu is its very intact shrine, and the offer block in front, still located in the sanctuary.