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| | | | The frightening temple
The isolation of the temple of Abu Simbel is part of the reason for its existence. Here, on the point where Nubia ends and Egypt begins, Pharaoh Ramses 2 decided abour 3,300 years ago to erect a temple with a shape and dimensions that should frighten invaders from the south.
Four 20M high statues of himself stare towards any possible invader from the south, telling them what power they will face if they continue north.
For the brave who should dare to enter, large wall decorations show how Ramses kills Hittites, Nubians and Libyans — the main enemies of Egypt in those days
The temple was officially erected in veneration of the major gods of Amon and Re-Harakhte, but Ramses was an unusually immodest Pharaoh, and if anything, this temple tries to indicate that he himself is larger than any god.
It might be considered a logical breach, but his claim to divinity is granted by the gods he immediately overshadows.
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| The holiest of the holy, the inner sanctuary. Four statues represent (left to right) Re-Harakhti, the deified Ramses 2, Amon-Re and Ptah. |  | 
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| One of the 8 pillars with a Ramses statue in front in the Hypostyle Hall. | Ramses to the right presents an offer to Re-Harakhte. | | |
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