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.


Click on illustrations for larger size -- and additional information

Both temples

Smaller Temple at left

 

 

On each side of the portal, the middle statue of Queen Nefertari is flanked by statues of Ramses II

Knee-high statues are members of the royal family.

 

 

 

 

Cartouches

   


Photos and their arrangement © 2009 Chuck LaChiusa
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