Abu Simbel (Image source: http://blog.generalmills.com/wp-content/uploads/Rameses-1966-chemicals.jpg)
The statue of Ramses the Great at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel is reassembled after having been moved in 1967 to save it from being flooded. (image source: sv:Forskning & Framsteg 1967 issue 3, page 16)
Construction of the Abu Simbel temple complex started in approximately 1264 BC and lasted for about 20 years, until 1244 BC. Known as the “Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun it was one of six rock temples erected in Nubia during the long reign of Ramesses II. Ramses built the Temple at Abu Simbel in Egypt to intimidate his enemies and seat himself amongst the gods. The complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968, on an artificial hill made from a domed structure, high above the Aswan High Dam reservoir. The relocation of the temples was necessary to avoid their being submerged during the creation of Lake Nasser, the massive artificial water reservoir formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River.
National Geographic – “Moving Abu Simbel” (3 minute video) – very good!
History Channel – Ramses’ Temple at Abu Simbel (3 minute video) – excellent and there are other Egypt- related videos on the same link.
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