UNESCO Archives Film Collection: "The World Saves Abu Simbel", 29', 1972.

Summary

The script narrates the historical and architectural significance of the Abu Simbel temples, carved in the 13th century BC by Pharaoh Ramesses II. It details the temples' rediscovery in 1813, their astronomical alignment, and the intricate reliefs depicting Ramesses' military triumphs. The script also documents the temples' relocation in the 1960s to save them from the Aswan High Dam's flooding, showcasing an international effort led by UNESCO. The temples' reconstruction and the preservation of their cultural heritage symbolize a global commitment to safeguarding history while advancing technologically.

Takeaways

• 🗿 The rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel were rediscovered in 1813 by Swiss explorer Jean-Louis Burckhardt and are located near the Sudanese border on the Nile's bank.
• 🏰 The smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, while the larger one is dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari.
• 🗽 The temples were carved around 1260 BCE by Ramesses II during Egypt's Golden Age and showcase his grandeur and military victories.
• 🌞 The Great Temple of Abu Simbel was designed to align with the sun's rays twice a year, illuminating the inner sanctuary and three gods, except for the god of the underworld.
• ⛓ The construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened the temples, leading to a UNESCO-led international effort to save them, involving over 50 countries.
• 🔨 The temples were dismantled into blocks weighing 20-30 tons each, then moved to a site 200 feet higher to protect them from flooding.
• 🏗️ The relocation process was complex, involving the construction of a cofferdam, sandbagging the facade, and shoring the interior with steel scaffolding.
• 🚜 The temples' blocks were transported without jolting, ensuring their integrity, and were stored in a manner akin to organizing books in a library.
• 🌄 The temples were reassembled with precision, and the landscape around them was reconstructed to match the original, showcasing the skill of modern technology.
• 🌐 The project represents a successful example of international cooperation to preserve cultural heritage and balance it with modern development.

Q & A

When were the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel discovered again after being buried for centuries?

The rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel were rediscovered in 1813.

Who is the smaller temple at Abu Simbel dedicated to?

The smaller temple at Abu Simbel is dedicated to the goddess Hathor.

What significant event is depicted on the facade of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel?

The facade of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel is adorned with figures portraying Pharaoh Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari, symbolizing the greatness of the Pharaoh.

Why were the temples at Abu Simbel carved out of rock during the reign of Ramesses II?

The temples were carved out of rock around 1260 BCE to demonstrate the power and grandeur of Pharaoh Ramesses II during Egypt's Golden Age.

What is the unique astronomical feature of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel?

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel was designed so that twice a year, in February and October, sunlight penetrates the temple's inner sanctuary to illuminate the statues of three gods, demonstrating the ancient Egyptians' knowledge of astronomy.

Why was it necessary to relocate the temples of Abu Simbel?

The temples needed to be relocated due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which would have flooded the area where the temples were located.

How did UNESCO and the international community respond to the threat of the monuments of Nubia being destroyed?

UNESCO launched an international campaign to save the heritage of Nubia, with more than 50 countries agreeing to share the financial burden of relocating the monuments.

What was the method used to protect the temples during the construction of the Aswan High Dam?

A cofferdam was constructed to protect the temples from flooding while the temples were being dismantled and relocated.

What were the challenges faced during the relocation of the Abu Simbel temples?

The relocation faced challenges such as the remoteness of the site, harsh climate, and the need for precise dismantling and reassembly of the temples to preserve their integrity.

How were the statues and reliefs of the temples protected during the relocation process?

The statues and reliefs were covered with fine sand to protect them from falling stones, and steel scaffolding was used to shore up the interior of the temples during the relocation.

What was the final outcome of the Abu Simbel temples relocation project?

The temples were successfully relocated to a site 200 feet above their original location, and the landscape was restored, preserving the ancient monuments for future generations.