Abu Simbel, << AH boo SIHM buhl, >> Temples of, are two ancient Egyptian temples that were carved in a mountainside beside the Nile River in southern Egypt. The pharaoh Ramses II built the temples in the 1200’s B.C. The Great Temple extended 200 feet (61 meters) into the mountainside. Four seated figures of Ramses II, each 67 feet (20 meters) high, guarded the entrance. Four figures of Ramses II and two of his wife, Queen Nefertari, stood at the entrance to the other temple.
The temples’ original location is now covered by Lake Nasser, which was formed by the Aswan High Dam. In the mid-1960’s, the temples were cut into huge blocks and moved to higher ground. About 50 nations contributed funds to this project.
See also Ramses II .
