The view of Abu Simbel from the airplane
Abu Simbel consists of two temples, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor (for Queen Nefertari)
The Temple of Hathor is flanked by six 10m high statues: 4 represent Ramses and 2 Queen Nefertari
Dad and James at the Great Temple of Ramses II
Inside, the roof is supported by eight columns, each flanked by 10m high statues of Ramses II.
The temple was carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile from 1274-1244 BC
Four 20m high statues of Ramses II sit in front of the temple, accompanied by smaller statues of his wife and children
They had to cut apart, move, and reassemble the entire temple complex to save it from the rising waters from the Dam.
They actually cut off the faces from the large Ramses II statues and reaffixed them later.
