Temple of Horus at Edfu

Temple of Horus at Edfu

The town of Edfu, on the western bank of the Nile 56 km south of Esna and 105 km north of Aswan, is to this day an important centre for sugar and pottery production. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is the single best-preserved monument of ancient Egypt. Built of sandstone blocks, this huge temple was raised on the plan of an earlier, smaller temple that was oriented east to west, towards the river. The structure of the temple runs north to south and leaves the ruined remains of the older temple.

Inside, the first thing that strikes visitors is the almost deafening chirping of birds on the temple roof, and the ceiling decorated with astronomical figures representing the sky. On the walls there is the usual decoration, but there are also well-preserved reliefs depicting scenes from the temple festivals. On the southern wall there are two small chambers: the House of the Morning to the west and the library (House of Books) to the east.

The inner chambers of the Edfu temple are similar to those of the Dendera temple. The ceiling is raised by 12 slender columns. On the opposite (eastern) side of the second columned hall is the treasury, where gold, silver and precious stones were stored together with protective amulets and precious ritual instruments.
In the temple there is a small hall leading transversely to the eastern and western staircases, which in turn lead to the roof, which provides wonderful views over the temple. A procession of priests carrying ritual implements is carved on the walls of both staircases. Nearby is an open court where there is a kiosk-like shrine. The sanctuary is the oldest object in the temple, and the granite in the temple must come from an earlier building.

In the chapel behind the sanctuary is a low pedestal, also from an earlier structure, on which stands a reproduction of the barque of Horus. There is a series of chambers surrounding the temple, dedicated to various gods and to the daily rituals of the temple. These rooms also contain crypts, but they are without decoration and inaccessible to visitors.
Around the inner temple is an ambulatory and corridor, which has carved texts as well as scenes from the Edfu drama, the "Triumph of Horus", which tells the story of the mythological victory of Horus over Seth; this drama was celebrated every year as a mystery play.

On the inner surface of the northern wall is a beautiful set of reliefs depicting another important ritual celebrated at Edfu. This ritual was known as the "installation of the Sacred Falcon", in which both the god Horus and the king were represented live during the coronation.