The Temple of Ramesses- beloved by Amun is two ancient massive rock temples built during the reign of Ramses II in approximately 1264 BC and its construction lasted for about 20 years. Abu Simbel Temples are considered the second-largest man-made tourist attraction in Egypt (30 meters high, 35 meters long) following the Great Pyramids of Giza.

1.DISCOVERY

Over time, the temples were covered in sand and even became forgotten until 1813 when the temple was first discovered by Swiss orientalist Jean-Louis Burckhardt, but all that was visible was the top frieze of the main temple. Then 4 years later, in 1817, the Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni returned to the site and succeeded to enter the temples. According to the temples’ guides, ‘Abu Simbel’ is named after the boy who led the exhibition to the site back in 1813.

2.PURPOSE OF ABU SIMBEL

The construction of such a great monument served many purposes. First, the Great Temples were built to memorize Ramses II victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Second, the Temples were also dedicated to serving the gods Ra- Horakty and Ptah. While the Small Temple was constructed for the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, Ramesses’ favorite wife. This is considered the second time in Egyptian history that a temple was dedicated to a queen.

3.ABU SIMBEL RELOCATION

Relocating the Temple was managed by UNESCO back in 1964 and it is considered one of the greatest challenges of archaeological engineering in History.

Originally, the temples were located 200 feet below its current location which is at the apex of the artificial cliff on Lake Nasser’s Western banks, but the temples had to be moved or they would’ve been drawn by the High Dam water.

4.ABU SIMBEL SOLAR ALIGNMENT

The archaeological mystery in Abu Simbel temples is considered one of Ancient Egypt’s greatest phenomenons. The sun penetrates the Temples only twice a year celebrating cultivation and flooding seasons, which also reflect Ramses II birth and coronation respectively. Also, the location of the 4 statues was measured carefully so that Plah, the god of darkness, would remain in the dark.

Egypt is a wonderful country filled with cultural and the warmth of the Egyptian people. If it’s your first time to visit Egypt and don’t have any idea about this spectacularly country, so it will be smart and good to be prepared. And this kind of list will help you a lot to feel extra ready.

1- Try to learn a few simple phrases in Arabic

Arabic might be a little bit hard language to learn, but here are some useful words you could learn easily before going to Egypt and you’ll at least be a bit ready once you be there, and locals will appreciate and respect your efforts to learn their language, even simple words will get you lots of smiles.

Here are the most useful Arabic phrases you will need while traveling to Egypt:

Hello - Ahlan

Good Morning - Sabah el-khair

Good Bye - Ma’a as-salama

Yes - Aywa

No - La

Please - Min fadlak [ for men ] & Min fadlek [ for women ]

Thank you - Shukran

How much is this? - bi-kam da?

Pyramids - Ahramat

2- Bring your SUNGLASSES

This is the first thing you should pack because it’s the easiest thing to forget. Because Egypt’s weather is usually sunny so you can walk around and enjoy the streets and sightseeing in Egypt.

3- Light-Cotton clothes

It’s highly recommended to be prepared for wearing loose-fitting clothes made of light fabrics and cotton so when you need to wash them, they would easily dry. Plus, it helps a lot in the sunny weather.

4- Be ready for the weather

If you are traveling to Egypt in winter, prepare for the warm weather, and you should pack a light jacket and cotton shirts.

If you are visiting in Summer bring sunglasses and a brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun as well as light summer clothes.

5- Sunblock is very important

Just like sunglasses, it’s easiest to forget, sunblock will help a lot and you will need one to bring on a trip to Egypt.

6- A Backpack will be useful

Try to get and use a nice, cute-looking backpack that easy to wear so you can put your sunglasses, sunblock, camera, and all the things you may need while exploring.

This list will help a little on what things to bring, but you should also prepare to experience one of the best times of your life.