Abu Simbel is a temple built by Ramesses II (Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty of the Egyptian New Kingdom, who ruled 1279-1213 BC) in Nubia, what is now in Egypt near the border of Sudan. It was investigated by James Breasted at Chicago's Oriental Institute.
Originally carved into and out of the sandstone cliffs of the Nile River, the site was threatened in the 1960s when the Aswan Dam was proposed; and in an amazing feat of engineering technology, the temple was cut out of the rock, lifted above the floodplain, and rebuilt in an appropriate location for preservation.
More Information
TourEgypt's page on Abu Simbel is worth a visit; also see the Oriental Institute's slide show on Abu Simbel for some great black and white photos of the monument.
Be sure to try your hand at the Trivia Quiz on Abu Simbel. An 8 minute video from the University of Gloucester is excellent.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
