Temple of Khnum

About

Temple of Khnum was built by Pharaoh Ptolemy IV in the 2nd century BC, likely on the site of an even older temple. The temple was remodelled during the Roman period, making for a fascinating blend of cultures - the walls bear carvings of Roman emperors making offering to Egyptian deities. The Temple of Khnum is considered one of the last temples to have been built by the “true” ancient Egyptians, and one of the few to still have its roof intact. Though only a portion of the temple has been excavated, the site has proved a gold mine for Egyptian artwork, with some of the intricately carved columns still retaining their ancient paint. Throughout the temple are carvings of typical Egyptian themes, as well as unique deities, and unusual unique texts and hieroglyphs. Over the centuries the changing landscape left the temple buried deep underground, so it isn’t accessible for those with mobility issues.