Egyptian Top Ten Gallery
By Michael Wood
Last updated 2011-02-17
Portico of pronaos, and statue of god Horus as falcon, at the Temple of Horus, Edfu ©
Temple of Horus, Edfu
Temple of Horus, Edfu
The enormous Temple of Horus at Edfu is the best preserved ancient monument in the world. Dedicated to the hawk god Horus, it was built in the Greek period for pharaohs descended from Alexander the Great's general, Ptolemy.
In the darkened inner sanctum the polished stone shrine still survives, decorated with carvings of the reeds that were said to have fringed the mound of creation. It was believed that the mound rose from primal waters at the beginning of time, and Horus the hawk was said to have landed on it.
Wander round the maze of chambers, and you'll see the temple library with its list of ancient books. Or linger in the temple's magnificent halls - seen to good advantage in late afternoon light.
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