Philae Temple

Description of Philae Temple

At the entrance to the temple, we find a group of columns, the number of which is 39 in the west of the island. The capitals of these columns are made of papyrus plants and lotus flowers. On the eastern side of the island are the temples of the god “Set” and the goddess “Hathor”, and on the northern side are the main entrance, the Temple of Horus, and a hall. At the entrance, there are two lions whose job is to protect the temple.

Reason of Name

The meaning of the word Philae means peace, friendliness, and love. In the ancient Egyptian language, it was called “Belak,” which means the end or the far place because it was at the end of Egypt. Philae is a Greek word that means beloved. In the Arabic language, it was known as “Ans Al-Wujud” because of its connection to stories. folklore .

Pharaonic landmarks and legends associated with the Philae Temple

There are many Pharaonic monuments on the island of Philae, such as the shrine of “Nectanebo I”, next to which there is a Greco-Roman temple of Ares, and the Temple of Mandulis. There are also columns dating back to the Roman and Ptolemaic era, including the Temple of Hathor, the Temple of Imhotep, and Trajan’s shrine .
Some myths were also associated with the Temple of Philae, such as myths of love, examples of which include the love story between the goddess “Isis” and the god “Azoes” and some other myths, such as the myth of “Anes Al-Wujud,” which is one of the names by which the island is known.