Temple of Edfu Bas-Reliefs, 19th Century

Royalty Free

SS2607699

JA1365

Bas-relief in the heart of the temple in Edfu, Egypt photographed by Maison Bonfils circa 1867-1885. The Temple of Edfu is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus-Apollo. It is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BCE. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Greco-Roman period in ancient Egypt. In particular, the Temple's inscribed building texts "provide details (both) of its construction, and also preserve information about the mythical interpretation of this and all other temples as the Island of Creation." There are also "important scenes and inscriptions of the Sacred Drama which related the age-old conflict between Horus and Seth." (Translated by the German Edfu-Project.)

Library of Congress / Science Source