Philae Island was a rocky island in the middle of the River Nile, south of Aswan. It was called in Hieroglyphic “Apo” which means Ivory. It was also known by the Greek “Elephantine”, most probably because it was an important center of trade, especially for ivory.
The Temple of Isis
The Temple of Isis is one of the greatest Temples in Egypt and it occupies about a quarter of the island. It is also the temple’s main island with its huge, complete pylons and beautiful scenes.
The construction began during the reign of King Ptolemy II, and then other Ptolemaic Kings (Ptolemy’s IV, V, VI, VII, and XI) contributed by adding more parts to the main Temple.
The Temple of Isis consists of the 1st Pylon, which is a great traditional pylon with two towers, and an open forecourt, which leads to the 2nd pylon.
On the left side of this court is the Mamisi, which has scenes depicting the birth of the God Horus by his mother Isis.
The 2nd Pylon leads to a Hypostyle Hall with 10 columns, and then 3 vestibules leading to a sanctuary.
The oldest remains of the Temple of Philae date back to the reign of King Taharqa (25th Dynasty), who built the first chapel for the Goddess Isis.
