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Temple of PhilaeHeritagePhoto Wikimedia Commons

Temple of Philae

Egypt

8 story sections

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.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    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. …

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  2. 2The 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. …

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  3. 3The 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. …

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  4. 4The 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. …

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  5. 5Hadrian’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,…

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  6. 6The 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…

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  7. 7The 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…

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  8. 8Closing

    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…

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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.

Key facts
LocationEgypt
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates24.0127, 32.8775
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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