Why is the temple of Edfu important?

There are a number of factors that make Egypt a perfect gateway for historical and natural wonders. One of them is Edfu Temple, which comes along the way while cruising the River Nile, between Aswan and Luxor. So, it is an important site for travellers to have a clear insight into historical events. In this blog, you will learn in detail about the ancient wonder, the Temple of Edfu in Egypt. Before finalising a Nile River cruise, ensure that Edfu is included in the list of shore excursions. 

What was the most important temple in ancient Egypt?

The temple of Edfu is an important part of the historical heritage of Egypt and a monument that represents the Ptolemaic age’s craft and greatness. It was built for the god Horus of Behdet. The ancient name of Edfu is Behdet. For ages, Egypt has been home to rich culture, craft, and history. The Temple of Edfu, situated on the riverbanks of the Nile, is an easy spot for visitors of Nile cruises in Egypt. 

It was one of the best-preserved temples of Egypt between 237 BCE and 57 BCE, during the Ptolemaic period. The whole process took 180 years to complete and was overseen by several rulers under the Ptolemaic Period. It carries the echoes of divine craftsmanship and stories for generations to narrate the greatness of rulers and kingdoms. 

​The massive size of the temple makes it a magnificent monument. It depicts the Egyptian culture and Greek influence in ancient Egypt for building temples and tombs during the Ptolemaic regime. 

What is the purpose of the Temple of Edfu?

Basically, the temple was built to address and worship the god Horus, who is the god of sky, war, and kingship. He is seen as the protector of the Egyptian people with the head of a falcon. So, he is also considered the falcon-headed deity in Egyptian books and culture. 

​The temple is also associated with the goddess Hathor, the wife of the god Horus. The deity Hathor is a symbol of the goddess of love, joy, and music. Annually, the marriage of Horus and the goddess Hathor is celebrated when a statue of Hathor comes to meet Horus from her temple in Dendera during the Edfu festival.  

The mythological temple was built to commemorate his mythological victory over his uncle Set (the god of chaos). It is a site for rituals, prayers, meditation, and festivals dedicated to the god Horus. By taking an Egypt river cruise, you can witness the ancient archaeological wonders in the desert sands of Edfu. 

​What is the Temple of Dendur and its significance?

The temple of Dendur is devoted to the goddess Isis and the god Osiris by the Roman emperor of Egypt, Augustus. It was built around 10 BCE. Temple’s dedication to the goddess Isis depicts the context of Roman Egyptian culture. It was constructed to show respect to the family of King Petubastis, who is meant to commemorate the divine Egyptian rulers and gods.  

​In the 1960s, during the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple was relocated to the United States. Currently, it is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It remains one of the most visited pieces of Egyptian history and culture.  

​What are the highlights of the Temple of Edfu?

Entrance: One of the major parts of the temple that catches eyes is its entrance. The gateway of the temple is 36 metres high, showcasing the grandeur of Egyptian religious architecture. Witness the great wonder while exploring the site with Nile Cruisen’s experienced tour guides. 

Egyptian Beliefs: There are two beliefs that are strongly associated with the temple. One is a victory of the god Horus over the god Set. It is also a house of Egyptian belief, which depicts a marriage between the god Horus and the goddess Hathor of Dendera, symbolising unity and love. 

Preservation: The Temple of Edfu is one of the sacred shrines of the Egyptian people, which is well preserved. It shows clear Egyptian culture, and the architecture speaks of Greek influence.

Rediscovery: It was buried under the desert sand and Nile silt up to 39 metres, contributing to its preservation. Then, in the 1860s, by a French Egyptologist, Auguste Mariette, the temple was excavated and brought into existence as an example of the living history of Egypt. 

Statue of Horus: Another major highlight of the temple is the large black granite statue of the falcon god Horus. Where the god Horus once stood is considered the sacred centre of the temple, and only priests would enter here.

​Why is Edfu a hotspot during the Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise? 

The River Nile plays a significant role in shaping the history and heritage of Egypt. Along the river, there are a number of historical cities linked to the River Nile and early civilisation, like Kom Ombo, Karnak, and Luxor. It’s a hotspot because of the best preservation and clear depiction of Egyptian scripture through the details of temples. 

Concluding Thoughts 

Edfu, home to the great ancient marvel, the Temple of the god Horus, is a significant part of Egyptian history. So while taking a Nile cruise in Egypt, don’t just sail; feel the timeless stories of rich heritage. 

​Quick FAQs 

Where is the Temple of Horus?

The temple of Horus is located in Edfu, a city situated on the west bank of the River Nile in Upper Egypt. It is a major stop for the Egypt river cruises sailing from Aswan to Luxor. 

​How much does it take to explore the Temple of Edfu? 

Ideally, the duration of exploring depends on personal preferences. With a tour guide, you can visit the major areas of the temple in around 1.5-2 hours. It also includes a carriage ride, a traditional way to take passengers from Dahabiya Nile cruises to the temple. 

What is so special about Edfu Temple? 

From the statement entrance to the historical significance, everything makes the temple a worthwhile site to visit. The speciality of the Edfu temple is the inscriptions written on the walls about myths and historical incidents, making it a special site for explorers and history lovers.