Sacred Lake

Exploring the Iseum: A Hidden Treasure

Nestled behind the venerable Temple of Hathor in Egypt lies a hidden gem of antiquity – the Iseum, a petite temple devoted to the revered goddess Isis. Its origins harken back to the era of the Roman emperor Augustus, a testament to the enduring power of devotion.

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
The Sacred Lake in the Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Egypt, reflecting the surrounding ruins and palm trees
Ancient Majesty: The still waters of Karnak's Sacred Lake mirror the timeless grandeur of Egypt's historical splendor
Error message displaying 'There was an error processing this image
An unexpected glitch interrupts the visual experience.

Lost your password?

Welcome’ as often as the Egyptians, and each time, they truly mean it.

Address

34 Central St. From Road 9, Moqattam – Cairo, Egypt 11571

Phone

+20 2 25050550, 25050551, 25050552

Company Official Name:

Online Era

Website

Email

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in

Address

184 Mayfield St. Hopewell
Junction, NY 12533

Phone

Email