The New Kingdom rulers extended Egypt’s borders to the Fourth Cataract, and Ramses II, in a gesture of piety and self-aggrandizement, ordered two sun temples carved from the limestone mountains at Abu Simbel dating between 1290-1124 BC. Here, on the face of the cliffs, stonemasons hewed giant figures of the king that radiated power, dominated the landscape, and with their ceaseless stares subjugated all who dared to enter Egypt.
In modern times the two temples of Abu Simbel were threatened by the waters that would rise with the completion of the High Dam.
A campaign to save them was organized by UNESCO.
