HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsTemple of Philae
Egypt
Next, you'll explore the Temple of Isis at Philae. Construction of the temple began during the reign of Ptolemy II and was completed under the Roman emperors. It was dedicated to the goddess Isis, who was considered the mother of all gods, the mother of Horus, and the consort of Osiris.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Temple of Philae, a majestic architectural testament to the enduring devotion to the goddess Isis. As we stand here on Agilkia Island, it is vital to acknowledge that we are not on the temple's original site. …
Listen in the app2The First Pylon and the Courtyard
We begin our exploration at the First Pylon, the monumental gateway that serves as the entrance to the main temple complex. Standing before these massive towers, one is immediately struck by the scale of Ptolemaic architecture. …
Listen in the app3The Mammisi or Birth House
To your left, within the courtyard, stands the Mammisi, or Birth House. This structure was of paramount importance in the cult of Isis, as it celebrated the divine birth of Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. …
Listen in the app4The Temple of Isis Proper
We now enter the heart of the complex: the Temple of Isis proper. This inner sanctum is where the most sacred rituals were performed. …
Listen in the app5Hadrian’s Gate and the Last Hieroglyphs
Exiting the main temple to the west, we find ourselves at Hadrian’s Gate. This structure is of immense historical significance, as it contains what is widely considered to be the very last hieroglyphic inscription ever carved,…
Listen in the app6The Gateway of Philadelphus
As we move toward the eastern side of the complex, we encounter the Gateway of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. This portal was one of the earliest parts of the current stone structure, marking the beginning of the Ptolemaic expansion of…
Listen in the app7The Trajan Kiosk
Our final stop within the main complex is the iconic Kiosk of Trajan, often referred to as 'Pharaoh’s Bed' due to its unique rectangular shape. Built by the Roman Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD, this unfinished…
Listen in the app8Closing
As our journey through the Temple of Philae concludes, take a final moment to look back at the majestic pylons and the Kiosk of Trajan. This site is more than just a collection of ancient stones; it is a miracle of preservation…
Listen in the app
What is Temple of Philae?
Temple of Philae is a place in Egypt with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Egypt |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 24.0127, 32.8775 |
| Last updated |