Edfu Temple is one of the most completely preserved temples in the country, and the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak. Located on the west bank of the Nile, it stands as a perfect example of Ptolemaic architecture and provides historians with unique insights on this period of Egypt's history.
History & Construction
Construction began under Ptolemy III, and while the building itself took about 25 years, craftsmen continued to work on the decorative carvings for nearly 180 years.
The temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon god and son of Isis, and was known in antiquity as “The Land of Revenge.”
Myth of Horus and Seth
The walls of Edfu preserve one of the most detailed versions of the legendary battle between Horus and his evil uncle Set (Seth), ending with Horus’ victory in this very place. These scenes make the temple a key source for Egypt’s ancient mythology.
Architecture & Function
Edfu includes every classic element of an Egyptian temple, enriched with Greco-Roman features such as:
- Additional side chambers
- A rooftop area for exposing the god’s statue to the sun
- Rooms used as a sanatorium, where visitors sought healing through sacred rituals
This innovation helped support the temple’s local economy when royal funding declined.
Rediscovery
For centuries, the temple lay completely buried beneath a village until its excavation in 1886 AD by the archaeologist Auguste Mariette.
Your Visit
A visit to Edfu is always memorable, including a short 10-minute horse-carriage ride to reach the temple.
Please take care when getting on or off the carriage, and kindly request that horse owners do not whip their animals.
