New Kalabsha

Welcome to the island of New Kalabsha, a profound testament to international cooperation and the preservation of human heritage. As we stand here, surrounded by the vast blue expanse of Lake Nasser, it is hard to imagine that…

The primary structure on this island is the Temple of Kalabsha, a colossal monument built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. Though it dates to the early Roman period, it was constructed on the site of a much older…

Just a short walk from the main temple stands the Kiosk of Kertassi, one of the most graceful structures on the island. This small, elegant pavilion consists of four slender columns and two massive Hathor-headed pillars at the…

Tucked into the hillside of the island is the Temple of Beit el-Wali, a rock-cut structure dedicated by the great Ramses II. Unlike the free-standing Kalabsha temple, this was originally carved directly into the living rock of…

Scattered around the New Kalabsha site are several significant stelae and smaller monuments that offer glimpses into different eras of history. One of the most important is the Stela of Psamtik II, a king of the 26th Dynasty. …

As we walk toward the edge of the island, looking back at the temple complex, we must consider the modern story of this place. The relocation of the Kalabsha monuments was part of a global effort led by UNESCO, involving over 50…

To fully appreciate New Kalabsha, one must try to visualize what has been lost. Beneath the waters of Lake Nasser lie dozens of ancient villages, fortresses, and smaller temples that could not be saved. …

Our journey through New Kalabsha comes to an end here at the water's edge. We have explored the Roman grandeur of the Kalabsha Temple, the delicate beauty of the Kiosk of Kertassi, and the fierce propaganda of Ramses II at Beit…