Edfu (Behdet) A site 72 miles south of Thebes, on the Nile, Edfu was the capital of the second nome of Upper Egypt and the HORUS cultic site from early times. The city was called “the Exaltation of Horus” in some eras. Tombs dating to the Sixth Dynasty (2323–2150 B.C.E.) and erected by the local Nomarchs were discovered in the city’s necropolis, as well as a step pyramid dating to the Third Dynasty (2649–2575 B.C.E.). Mastabas and reliefs were also discovered there. In the Ptolemaic Period (304–30 B.C.E.) a great temple was erected on the site. The city was always considered militarily strategic for the defense of the nation and was fortified against assaults by the Nubians (the modern Sudanese). During the Second Intermediate Period (1640–1550 B.C.E.) when the Asiatics (Hyksos) ruled the northern Delta territories, Edfu was fortified by the Theban dynasties.
Horus, husband to the cow goddess Hathor, was one of the primary gods to the Egyptians. He is depicted with the head of a hawk, sometimes on the body of a human, sometimes on the body of a hawk.
Temple of Horus at Edfu built in 200 BC under the Greek Ptolemaic kings, this is one of the youngest – and the best preserved – of the Egyptian temples. Sekhmet, the lioness goddess, is very loving and, when needed, equally vicious.
Bedouini Judy and Ruth wrap themselves in ancient-style scarves to ward off the cold morning winds.
Access to the Temple of Edfu
The Major entrance of Edfu Temple
Horus, husband to the cow goddess Hathor, was one of the primary gods to the Egyptians. He is depicted with the head of a hawk, sometimes on the body of a human, sometimes on the body of a hawk.
Temple of Horus at Edfu built in 200 BC under the Greek Ptolemaic kings, this is one of the youngest – and the best preserved – of the Egyptian temples. Sekhmet, the lioness goddess, is very loving and, when needed, equally vicious.
Bedouini Judy and Ruth wrap themselves in ancient-style scarves to ward off the cold morning winds.
Inside the Temple of Edfu
Engraving on the walls of Edfu Temple
Cobra relief on the walls of Temple of Edfu
Scarab relief on the walls of Temple of Edfu
Statue of Horus
Mammisi of Ptolemy VIII Euergete