Overview 

The Kom Ombo Temple is another magnificent ancient site located along the Nile River, roughly halfway between Edfu and Aswan. This unique temple is dedicated to two gods: Horus the Elder, the falcon-headed god of the sky, and Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility, the Nile, and the protection of the people.

Exploring the Temple

• Temple Overview: The Kom Ombo Temple was built during the Ptolemaic period (around 180–47 BC) and is famous for its unique layout, dedicated to two deities. It is beautifully situated by the river and offers one of the most picturesque settings in Egypt.
• Key Highlights:
  • Pylon and Entrance: The massive entrance to the temple is adorned with carvings of Ptolemaic kings offering to Horus and Sobek. As you approach, you’ll notice the symmetry between the two sides of the temple.
  • Double Sanctuary: The most fascinating feature of Kom Ombo is its double sanctuary, each side dedicated to a different deity. The right side is for Horus (the sky god and protector of the Pharaoh), and the left side is for Sobek (the crocodile god of fertility and creator of the world).
  • Hypostyle Hall: The hall is filled with large columns featuring reliefs of the gods, and it’s where priests would have performed rituals for the gods. Some of the columns on the Horus side depict the king receiving blessings, while on the Sobek side, you’ll see crocodile motifs.
  • Crocodile Mummies: Sobek was closely associated with crocodiles, and the temple has a crocodile museum where you can view mummified crocodiles and artifacts related to Sobek.
  • Healing and Medical Inscriptions: Kom Ombo is also famous for its medical reliefs. Some of the temple’s carvings depict surgical tools and medical procedures, showing that the ancient Egyptians had a sophisticated understanding of medicine.
  • Nilometer: The Nilometer, a structure used to measure the level of the Nile flood, is located nearby. It was crucial for predicting the level of flooding and ensuring that the land would receive enough water for agriculture.

Tour Highlights:

• Unique Double Temple: Dedicated to both Horus (sky god) and Sobek (crocodile god).
• Medical Reliefs: Evidence of early Egyptian medical practices.
• Crocodile Mummies: A fascinating look at the mummification of crocodiles, sacred to Sobek.
• Stunning River Views: Located on a hill with panoramic views of the Nile.