Kom Ombo Temple
Kom Ombo is located on the east side of the Nile, about 30 km north of Aswan. It is a small town south of the Jabal al-Silsila quarries, between Edfu and Aswan. The Kom Ombo Temple is considered one of the finest Egyptian temple complexes, notably because it sits directly on the Nile, and the town was named after it in ancient times.
Construction of the Kom Ombo Temple
The Kom Ombo Temple, also known as the “Temple of Sobek,” was built in 145 BC during the reign of Ptolemy VI. The construction materials included Ptolemaic sand from the quarries of Jabal al-Silsila. The temple is unique because of its double temple structure, which sets it apart from other Egyptian temples.
Architecture and Design
The temple is designed as a double temple with two entrances and two interconnected columned courtyards, as well as two sanctuaries (Holy of Holies). It shows similarities with the temples of Dendera, Edfu, and Philae. The double entrance leads to an open courtyard surrounded by 16 columns: five on the east side, five on the west side, and six on the south side, separated by a double entrance.
Courtyard and Hypostyle Hall
The front hall features 10 columns arranged in two rows, inscribed with cartouches and texts from Ptolemy. The inner hypostyle hall is smaller, also with 10 columns in two rows, but the capitals are shaped like blooming papyrus flowers. These columns are shorter than those outside, indicating a lower ceiling in this hall.
Reliefs and Decorations
The walls of the inner hypostyle hall depict scenes of Ptolemy and the Holy of Holies. Notably detailed inscriptions and reliefs represent religious and political themes of that era.
Special Features
A distinctive feature of the Kom Ombo Temple is the presence of parallel outer and inner corridors, and the famous “medical relief” or surgical instrument panel. These panels provide insights into the medical practices of ancient Egyptians.
Additional Attractions
On the northwest side of the temple stands a Roman-era nilometer used to measure the Nile’s water level. Nearby is the Crocodile Museum, which displays a collection of mummified crocodiles symbolizing the god Sobek.