Egyptian / Egyptian Revival Architecture - Table of Contents ................Architecture Around the World
Abu Simbel Temples - Table of Contents
The Smaller Temple / Temple of
Hathor - Abu Simbel
Nubia, Southern Egypt
This smaller temple was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramses II's chief consort, Nefertari. This was in fact the second time in ancient Egyptian history that a temple was dedicated to a queen, and the only time in Egyptian art that the statues of the king and his consort are equal in size. Traditionally, the statues of the queens stood next to those of the pharaoh, but were never taller than his knees.
Both temples |
Smaller Temple at left |
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On each side of the portal, the middle statue of Queen Nefertari is flanked by statues of Ramses II |
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Knee-high statues are members of the royal family. |
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