Aswan the Gateway to Egypt

From Aswan ancient Egyptians received the large amount of granite used in their monumental construction projects, and today is the only location where an unfinished obelisk from the ancient period can be found. In order to enjoy Aswan it is important to have a little bit of background knowledge in the history of Egypt as well as the role the city played throughout the centuries of Pharaonic rule, and during the construction and completion of the Aswan Dam. Grab a flight to Egypt and discover Aswan.

The Nile serves as a major feature in the lives of all Egyptians, both modern and historic, and it has been a significant factor for the inhabitants of Aswan as well. It allowed the ancient people to ship their goods downriver to the locations where pharaohs were building temples and monuments, and it forced the evolution of the population of the city when Lake Nasser was flooded during construction of the Dam.

Today many Aswan tours take in the High Dam, but also several smaller and one vast temple that were relocated when the waters threatened their existence. Within the city itself are the Philae and Kalabsha Temples, moved by UNESCO volunteers and experts to higher ground. Both are ancient structures, with the Philae Temple serving as the final structure in the classical Egyptian style.

Most Aswan tours make a point of visiting the other temple spared from destruction during the flooding of Lake Nasser, and that is Abu Simbel. Though this is a small village outside of Aswan, it is generally one of the main reasons that visitors head to the city. Abu Simbel contains two well known temples which had to be cut, stone by stone, from their original locations and reconstructed at their new homes almost twenty-five years later. The Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor are among the most recognized symbols of the ancient Egyptian world. Interestingly the Great Temple was originally placed to serve a “solar” function and protective function. Its sheer size and impressiveness were meant as a warning to any potential invaders. Additionally, twice a year the sun penetrated the main sanctuary of the temple, leaving only the sculpture of the god of the underworld, Ptah, in darkness.