National Geographic History - July 2019

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HISTORY 29

Twice a year, sunlight enters the eastern-
facing Great Temple, penetrates the
Hypostyle Hall and vestibule, and
reaches the inner sanctuary, where
it lights up the statues of gods and
Ramses II.

Hypostyle Hall. Inside

this chamber are eight

Osiride statues, each

around 33 feet tall,

representing the pharaoh

holding royal symbols.

Sanctuary. The seated statues of

Ramses, Amon-Ra, Ra-Horakhty,

and Ptah await the twice-yearly

visit of the sun’s rays.

Small sanctuary.

This area contains

images of Ramses II

making offerings

to various gods.

Supporting dome. This

concrete structure

houses the temple in its

new location.

Secondary side

chambers. Bearing

few decorative

features, these were

possibly used

as storerooms.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HISTORY 29

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