219: Abu Simbel, Ramesses' Great Temple

In this episode of The History of Egypt podcast, Dominic Perry discusses the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, built for Ramesses II, focusing on its historical context, function, design, construction, and the solar alignment that occurs twice annually. He describes Ramesses II's visit to Nubia, the selection of Abu Simbel as a sacred site for Horus, and the temple's layout. The episode explores the deities within the temple, including Ra-Hor-Akhti, Ramesses himself, Amun-Ra, and Ptah, and examines the construction process, the officials involved like Iuni and Asha Hebsed, and the possible reasons behind the solar alignment, including theories related to Ramesses's birthday, coronation, Sed Festival, and the Koyak festival. The episode concludes by explaining the significance of the solar illumination and the temple's political and religious functions.