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Abu Simbel Temples are two massive twin rock temples originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Rameses II as a lasting monument to show to the world his love for his wife Nefetari and also to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The story of the Battle of Kadesh (whether it be true of not) was that when all his army failed him Ramses II called upon Amun to help him defeat the Hittites. In myth it is said that Ramses II and his pet lion 'Invincible' routed the Hittite army and beat them into submission. The monument was also built to intiminate his Nubian neighbours.
The construction of the temple complex commenced around 1244BC and lasted for about 20 years. In 1959 a campaign was set up to save the monuments of Nubia that were under threat from the rising waters of the Nile as a result of the construction of the Aswan Dam.
The complex consists of two temples. The larger one is dedicated to Ra-Harakhty, Ptah and Amun - Egypt's three state deities of the time, and features four large statues of Ramses II in the facade. The smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, personified by Nefertari - Ramses's most beloved wife. 
Ramsses II Temple 
Nefertari Temple |
