The double temple of Kom Ombo is located on the eastern bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt. This ancient Egyptian temple complex is located about 3.5 km southwest of the center of Kom Ombo.
The parts of this imposing building still visible today date from the Ptolemaic and Roman times, from which you can look directly over the Nile! The temple has already been badly affected by forces of nature such as floods and erosion of the masonry. This religious building is called a double temple because the two gods Sobek and Haroeris were worshiped there.
Sobek, also called Sbjk or Sebak, was the crocodile god of Egyptian mythology in ancient Egypt. He was the ruler of the water but was also a fertility god at the same time. His nickname was Djedi, the permanent one. Haroeris was also called Haroëris, Haruaris, Hor-wer, Herwer, or Harwer. Since the Middle Kingdom of Haroeris, the name for a manifestation of the god Horus, who was the main god in the mythology of ancient Egypt. As a local deity in Kom Ombo, Haroeris formed a triad of gods with the gods Ta-sene-no fret and Pa-neb-taut. But in the 18th dynasty, he gained a special meaning as "father of the gods''.
The double temple was built at the time when Omboi (also called Ombos) was next to Elephantine and the administrative center of Ta-Seti, a district in Upper Egypt. More precisely, it originated in the Ptolemaic epoch, which ran from 304 to 31 BC. Lasted. The crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Haroeris were worshiped in this temple.
Like many other monumental structures in Egypt, large parts of the double temple of Kom Ombo were buried by the sand for a long time. Jacques de Morgan finally uncovered them in 1893 and restored everything. Until the 19th century. Right in front of the temple was the great birth house, also called Mammisi, of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II. However, it was torn down during a flood of the Nile, and the western parts of the surrounding wall also came loose. However, given that the temple is 20 meters above the level of the Nile, it is difficult to imagine the extent of this catastrophe.
Especially in the recent history of Egypt, Kom Ombo has become more and more a tourist magnet, as visiting the double temple is a fixed program on many Nile cruises. There is 150 km between Luxor and Kom Ombo in the north and Aswan is 40 km south. Especially handy when it comes to Nile cruises is the fact that the ship dock is just 70 meters from the temple. Kom Ombo is part of the Aswan Governorate. Kom Ombo is also connected to Aswan and Luxor by a railway line that runs along the Nile. Aswan is the closest international airport, to Aswan International, although the main artery is the Nile.
In contrast to many other temples in Egypt, the temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to two deities and thus represents a special feature. The deities are worshiped separately from one another, which means that on the right, southeastern side facing away from the Nile is the crocodile-headed god Sobek, which was consecrated to the god for water and fertility, later to the creator god. On the left, north-western side of the temple, homage was paid to the falcon-headed god Haroeris, the god of light, heaven, and war. Thus the temple was called "House of the Crocodile", but also "Falcon Castle".
Haroeris, who is a manifestation of the god Horus, corresponding to "Horus the Great", formed a triad of gods with Ta-senet-no fret and Pa-neb-tour in Kom Ombo. But Sobek also formed a triad with Hathor and Chons.
Archaeologists and Egyptologists believe that the part of the temple that is still visible today was built on previous buildings from the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom. The temple was 51 m wide and 96 m long and was surrounded by an enclosure wall. The decoration of the temple was until the 3rd century. worked after Chr., but it was never completed. Thus, in the rear section of the temple, where the chapel is located, only prepared reliefs can be seen. Other parts of the temple, such as the western section of the access pylon with the adjoining wall and the Mammisi attached to it, fell victim to the Nile floods.
The southeast section of the temple, where the tower of the great pylon representing the Roman Emperor Domitian is located, is a 52-line hieroglyphic script that pays homage to Sobek, Hathor, and Chons. Behind the two central entrances in the surrounding wall of the temple, there was once a courtyard with 16 columns on both sides. Today only the lower column sections can be seen, also called the base. They are also richly decorated with hieroglyphics and reliefs. On the pillars, one can see depictions of Tiberius offering gifts to the gods. In the middle of the courtyard are the remains of an altar. This is where the holy barge was placed during the processions.
In the interior of the second columned hall, there is the “room of the offerings”. Here you can see the representations of Pharaoh Ptolemaios VIII. Euergetes II. And his wife Cleopatra III. and Pharaoh Ptolemy XI. See News Dionysus. This room is followed by 3 transversely arranged front rooms, which were designed by Pharaoh Ptolemy VI. Philomentor and which can also be seen in the reliefs. Behind it, there are 2 sanctuaries, which were dedicated to the two gods. However, only a fragment of decoration and a dedication inscription remains in the sanctuaries.
The interior of the temple was surrounded by 2 corridors, one of which led into the courtyard with the 16 columns. The second led directly to the center of the temple. The rooms in the center show depictions of gods and pharaohs, some of which, however, remained unfinished. In the inner corridor, you can see a relief that shows surgical instruments and is called a special feature. The reliefs in Kom Ombo are among the most important of Ptolemaic architecture.
Outbuildings and ancillary facilities
Like the temple complexes of Luxor or Karnak, there are also some outbuildings in Kom Ombo.
The Mammisi - a birthplace
West of the forecourt was until the 19th century. the Mammisi, a birth house, has the shape of a small temple and is always at a right angle to the main temple. The Mammisi can be found in many temples, such as that of Luxor. In Kom Ombo, the Mammisi was destroyed by a flood of the Nile. It was built by Pharaoh Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II. In Kom Ombo, a relief of the Pharaoh and two gods has been preserved.
The Hathor Chapel
A small chapel is to the right in the southern corner of the courtyard. The chapel was once built by Emperor Domitian in honor of the goddess Hathor but unfortunately remained unfinished. In Greek mythology of the eastern Mediterranean, Hathor was equated with the goddess Aphrodite, who was also the goddess of fertility. The crocodile mummies and sarcophagi were kept in this small chapel and can now be admired in a small museum that was set up in this chapel. The mummies are evidence of the former cult around the crocodile-headed god Sobek.
The Nilometer
The nilometer is a water level meter located in the northwest part of the temple complex. Other miles were in Elephantine, Memphis, or Edfu. The Nilometer in Kom Ombo was built in the form of a round well shaft that you can walk through. In it, one could read the level of the Nile from the markings. These results were of great importance to ancient Egypt as they set the level of taxes for citizens. It was primarily about agriculture's need for water to irrigate the soil. The more water was available, the better the harvest and the higher the taxes that the citizens of Kom Ombo, Edfu, etc. could pay.
On a hill above the Nile lies the Greek-style double temple, which is dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris (Horus the Old). It consists of two interconnected system parts that share the first pylon, the courtyard, and the portico. Only from the columned hall does the expression of two symmetrical halves start to form up to the sanctuary. The complex was built under the rule of the Ptolemies in the 2nd century BC. Chr.
Particularly worth seeing: In the Hathor Chapel, embalmed 2,000-year-old, sacred crocodiles are on display. So if you get in the mood for a change on your Egypt vacation, then you know where to find it!
On Nile cruises, you have the opportunity to go ashore in Edfu and visit Kom Ombo. Since the pier in Edfu is only 70 m away from the temple, this fascinating journey into the past of Egypt is worthwhile! Kom Ombo is a historic and exciting place.
To find out more about the Nile cruise or the process, follow the link here!
Have fun in Kom Ombo!
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Egypt has many historical sites that you can visit and enjoy. Each tour is different and unique. If you go on a Nile cruise, you can visit Abu Simbel, Aswan, and Luxor in the South and enjoy the temples, tombs, and the treasures of the Nile. In the North, enjoy the Pyramids of Giza, The Egyptian Museum, Sakkara. Mosques, churches in Cairo, and many landmarks located in the city of Alexandria. On the East, Enjoy a beach tour for diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the Red sea. Every city has its charm, history, and flavor where you can do many tours and activities.
Your Egypt Tours is one of the leading and pioneer travel agencies in the Egyptian tourism industry. We offer very special care and personal touch to our clients making them feel at home with their family. Great and high-quality service to ensure that your trip with us is one of a lifetime. In addition, the commonly known reasons such as our customers’ feedback and testimonials, competitive prices - excellent customer service, punctuality and. Most important of all, our customers safety and enjoying every minute in your trip are our priorities. With us, you are in a safe hand.
It usually varies according to the type of tourist trip in Egypt, but the average cost for spending one week in Egypt is 1600 USD including visiting alot of tombs and temples and sailing on a 4 or 5 stars Nile cruise.
Don't drink the tap water - it is highly chlorinated. However, with enough time in Egypt, you could potentially grow accustomed to the water. This doesn't mean that the tap water is polluted, it simply means that you are not used to it, and you might get stomach problems. This happened to most people when they visit a country for the first time. They were simply not used to water there. It's a similar situation here. It is advisable to drink Bottled water during your entire holiday. That is why it is strongly advisable that you don't drink the tap water, and use it only for washing and brushing your teeth.
Enjoy Egypt Tours From September until March. It is the perfect time when the weather is good and mild. From September until mid-November, when it is very nice and the temperatures are pleasant for all activities - around 25 C to 15 C. mid-Nov until the end of February is wintertime when temperatures during the day are around 12 or 15 C, and at night can drop to about 7 or 8 C. In March and April, the weather is still so nice and travelers can enjoy the Easter vacation. From May to September is the summer season. Spending summertime in a desert climate does not appeal to most travelers. Average daytime temperatures hover in the high 80s and low to mid-90s, although they can jump up into three digits in the South as in Luxor and Aswan. Summer is really hot here, prices go down and it is a good chance for travelers with a tight budget.
It is usually hot and sunny. winter falls between November and January, and the peak of the summer months is between June and August. Winters are generally mild, although temperatures can fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) at night. In the Western Desert. Cairo and areas of the Nile Delta may experience a few rainy days during winter. Summers can be unbearably hot, especially in the desert and other areas of the country's interior. In Cairo, average summer temperatures regularly exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), while the record high for Luxor and Aswan, popular tourist destinations on the banks of the River Nile, is 110 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius).
Safety and security are our first and foremost concerns! Egypt is a very safe country with a low crime rate. Now with the coronavirus outbreak, accommodations and sightseeing nationwide have finalized sterilization and disinfection in light of the Egyptian government's efforts to implement precautionary measures against the COVID-19. In addition, our company has followed the same procedures to make all our staff, guides, and drivers are well-trained with the current events to prevent and stop the spread of this outbreak. Traveling the world is a joyful experience and we want to do our part to keep the anticipation stress-free.
There are many things to do in Egypt during your visit depending on your interests and character. Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan Nile cruise must be your first priority if you are a history and culture lover. You must visit the pyramids of Giza, enjoy a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan and enjoy visiting the most important tourist attractions in Luxor and Aswan. You can visit the city of Hurghada, Marsa Alam, or Sharm el-Sheikh Red Sea for relaxation and enjoy many activities there such as diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, or swimming. You may like to go on a safari trip in the western desert if you are an adventurer. Many other activities are available in every single Egyptian city
The high season for tourism is all year with winter and spring being peak season for cultural travels with lots of sightseeing. Weather in Egypt is perfect for many kinds of tourism, and if coming in June, July, and August, head for the seaside resorts. Those months are very warm with temperatures that can reach around 45C. and the humidity is about 70 to 80%, but it is bearable with the sea and large swimming pools nearby. So the period of the high summer season is also a bit busy as hotels fill up with tourists from all over the world looking for a bargain, lots of sunshine, diving, snorkeling, etc. It is also a primary vacation time in Europe. If you come in the deep summer season you can still enjoy it because you can always sightsee early in the morning and go again at night when the sunsets. You will definitely need good sunscreen and a lot of liquids to drink with a nice hat on your head. Summer is a good time for people looking for good rates in accommodation and other services.
Egypt is a Muslim country and the dress code is towards the conservative side, especially for women. That being said, we are used to seeing travelers from all over the world. My suggestion would be to wear light clothes and not to wear short shorts, short skirts and alike to avoid the occasional unwanted stare. But it's really up to you. When you visit religious places (synagogues, churches, and mosques) you do need to cover your shoulders and wear over the knee dresses, if you are planning to wear one of course. If you plan to attend the Nile dinner cruise, there is no need for formal wear unless you want to make that night a special night! Also, you will be sharing this experience with other travelers so you can dress however you feel most comfortable.
You can get your visa when you arrive at Cairo Airport. It is an easy process for USA, UK, Canadian, Australian and European citizens. The visa is simply a stamp (like a mail or postage stamp) that you buy from the visa office, at the port of entry just before the immigration booth. The visa will cost you $25 US Dollars and after buying it; you just stick it on any empty page on your passport. Once you have bought your visa you then stand in line to get your passport stamped by the immigration officer. You can also apply for E-Visa via the official electronic visa portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
Your Egypt Tours travel agency recommends two weeks so that you can enjoy the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, explore the sights of Cairo, and relax in the Red Sea islands and nature reserves.
There are many Nile cruises. Not to name one but your choice depends on many things to put in mind such as the number of nights you want to spend on the cruiser, your budget, and the standard of the Nile cruise. We recommend you choose a 5-star luxury Nile cruise, and if you are looking for a private Nile River cruise you can choose Dahabiya cruises, it is only for the small-group tour, about 15 people. Most cruises have. There is another way of cruising the Nile, which is the Felucca boat. It is traditional and charming but it is cheap as long as it will be ok to sleep on the deck exposed to mosquitos and most of these boats do not have a toilet
The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April where it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Egypt travel usually have guided tours to archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. Also have optional activities may include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling in the Red Sea, or desert safaris.
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Absolutely mind blowing. A definite must see. We flew from Aswan after I contact them, as I did not want to sit in car for hours with my 10-year-old daughter. Just so much history and ancient love. You cannot miss this one thing if you are in Cairo. The rocks are just HUGE, so special.
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Our trip to was wonderful. The accommodations and travel was seamlessly arranged by customer service rep, Mona, and we visited so many of the famous Egyptian antiquities. I would not have done the trip without the very knowledgeable guides, Ashraf and Mamdouh
