No other nation in the world says ‘Welcome’ as often as the Egyptians, and every time, they mean it. While the ancient civilization of Egypt continues to amaze, contemporary Egyptians are equally remarkable.
Sacred Lake
Exploring the Iseum: A Hidden Treasure
The Interior Marvels: Scenes of Divine Bond
Within the sacred Iseum, you’ll discover a sanctuary and two intimate side chambers, each brimming with ancient tales. Gaze upon the back wall of the Iseum, where a niche once cradled a statue of Osiris, and a figure of the jovial god Bes stood in high relief, as if frozen in time. But the true marvel lies in the temple’s frescoes.
Hathor's Embrace: The Cow-Goddess Mosaic
On the east and west walls, Hathor, the benevolent cow-goddess, tenderly nourishes Horus the child, immortalized in timeless scenes that evoke the divine bond between mother and son.
A Glimpse of Royalty: Cleopatra VII and Caesarion
Venturing further, turn your attention to the exterior rear wall of the Hathor temple. Here, history unveils itself in captivating reliefs. Behold Cleopatra VII, resplendent in her royal regalia, with her son Caesarion at her side, a poignant reminder of the dynastic legacy they once embodied.
The Sacred Gateway: False Door of Devotion
A colossal false door graces the rear of the central Hathor shrine, an ancient conduit for pilgrims to channel their devotion and prayers to the goddess. Traces of countless hands, weathered and worn, bear witness to the millennia of reverence that have flowed through these hallowed stones.
A Celestial Spectacle: 'Raising the Sky'
As your gaze ascends, observe a breathtaking scene high on the back wall – the festival of ‘Raising the Sky,’ a celestial spectacle that transcends earthly boundaries.
Guardians of the Divine Waters: Lion-Headed Waterspouts
And don’t miss the enigmatic lion-headed waterspouts adorning the temple’s exterior, silent sentinels that once channeled sacred waters from the rooftop, a testament to the ingenious engineering of a bygone era.
Unveiling Mysteries: The Temple of Hathor and Iseum
In the heart of Egypt, the Temple of Hathor and its hidden Iseum stand as a testament to the enduring mystique of ancient Egypt, a place where history, mythology, and devotion converge in a timeless dance, waiting for you to unravel its secrets.
Created On March 18, 2020
Updated On Aug , 2024
QENA Travel Guide
