New Kalabsha
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
New Kalabsha is an area located by the Aswan High Dam, south of Aswan in Egypt.
It houses several important temples, structures and other remains that have been relocated here to avoid the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The major remains are described below;
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[edit] Kalabsha Temple
This is the major structure here, and the whole area is named after it. Originally located in Kalabsha, this Roman Period temple to Mandulis was relocated here in 1970. It was build by Emperor Augustus, and was the largest free-standing temple of Egyptian Nubia.
[edit] Gerf Hussein
The temple of Gerf Hussein (originally known as Per Ptah, or the "House of Ptah") is dedicated to Ramesses II, and was built by the Viceroy of Nubia, Setau. Originally it was partially free-standing, and partially rock-cut. During the flooding of Lake Nasser the free-standing section was dismantled and has been reconstructed at New Kalabsha. Most of the rock cut temple was left in place and is now submerged beneath the waters.
[edit] Dedwen
[edit] Kiosk of Qertassi
[edit] Beit al-Wali
This rock-cut temple was moved from its original location, to rescue it from the waters of Lake Nasser by a Polish archaeological team. It is dedicated to Ramesses II, and the gods of Amun and Anukis (amongst others). It was originally decorated in bright colours, but these were mostly removed by a 'squeeze' taken in the 19th Century (the results of this squeeze is now on display in the British Museum).
