Dendera Temple Complex

About

The Dendera Temple Complex is ancient, even by Egyptian standards, with its earliest origins dating back to around 2250 BC. Covering 40,000 square meters, the temple complex exhibits influences from Egyptian, Greek, and Roman rulers. The complex consists of three temples: the birthing temple at the front, the temple of Isis, and the main temple dedicated to Hathor, and a sacred pool. Every room and element of the temple is intricately decorated, covered with detailed engravings, and in many areas, the original paint. In the crypt (it’s a tight ft to reach), you can find the temple’s infamous “Dendera light bulb” relief - a carving showing what fringe theorists say is evidence for Ancient Egyptian electrical technology. At the top of the temple, the Chapel of Osiris bears an ornamental ceiling that’s considered the only complete map of the Ancient Egyptian sky - though the original was taken by the French and is now on display in the Louvre.