home of the Temple dedicated to Goddess Isis and constructed on the beautiful island of Philae. Philae the modern day name is greek but the ancient Egyptians called the island P-aaleq which amongst other definitions has the dual meaning of "end" and "creation". It is believed that the various structures contained on Philae Island took 800 years to build (mostly during the roman period). In addition to the priests practicing daily rituals the island was the home of various stone masons, carpenters, and other crafts men continusly building and extending structures.



Photograph of Philae Temple
However the building of the Aswan Dam (see Nile page) almost wiped out the Island and its history. Fortunately an amazing rescue mission saved Philae. Flooded Philae was pumped dry by the Egyptian government and UNESCO through the use of a coffer dam. Philae temple itself was carefully dismantled, so that it could be relocated away from danger. Interestingly each block of the temple was labelled and its position carefully recorded, so that it could be reconstructed in exactly the same format. Even the site on which the main Philae temple rests, was landscaped so that it would look like the site on which the temple was originally standing. The rescue mission took 10 years to complete and involved the movement of blocks weighing 27000 tons in total.






The two colonnade leading to the entrance of the Temple of IsisPhilae is a magnificent example of modern day advancements enhancing historical monuments. One such event being the nightly Sound and Light show. During the show, buildings will be floodlit to produce silhouetes on the island's volcanic rocks and water.

Approaching from the south the first structure on the island belongs to Nectanebo. This vestibule originally had 14 columns of which only six remain. The double stairway leading to the vestibule has also been taken away by the Nile. After the vestibule there are two colonnades (the eastern colonnade and the western colonnade) which lead to the temple of Isis ( the main temple at Philea). The eastern colonnade was never finished.



colonnade within the east courtyard.First pylon of the temple of Isis is at the end of the two colonnades. This pylon was built by Ptolemy XII and depicts the king overcoming his enemies and worshipping the Goddess Isis. The first pylon leads into the east courtyard which contains a birth house (mamissi) and a roman chapel. The birth house contains releifs of Isis suckling her son Horus. The eastern court also contains a colonnade. This colonnade has ten pillars, and five rooms each with two storeys. It is believed that these rooms had various functions including performing as a library, laboratory for sacred oils or simply as meeting rooms where priest gathered.

At the end of the east court colonnade is the Taharqo altar. this altar is believed to be the oldest structure on the island. After the second Pylon the Hypostyle Hall is situated. The ceilings of the Hypostyle hall is illustrated with the vulture (the sign of upper and lower egypt) and the barques of day and night. Behind the Hypostyle hall there are three antechambers and a sanctuary. One of the antechambers contains a staircase which leads to a chapel dedicated to the God Osiris. This chapel contains releifs depicting the death and mourning of God Osiris. Interestingly the sanctuary still contains the pedestal on which the barque of Isis would have rested.





Outside the temple of Isis, the island of Philae houses various other structures including the Temple of the emperor Hadrian, Temple of Hathor and Trajan's kiosk (Pharaoh's bed). The temple of Hathor contains reliefs of the Bes the dwarf God (whom the ancient egyptians believed helped during childbirth and promoted fertility), musical scenes including an ape playing a musical instrument.



Trajan's KioskOn the left is a photograph of Trajan's kiosk which is contained within the temple's grounds. The kiosk is named after the emporer who rebuilt it. The statue of Isis would undertake an annual procession down the river Nile. At the end of the annual journey the sacred barge transporting the statue of Isis would land on the kiosk. The kiosk has 14 columns with screen walls. The screen walls display images of Trajan making offerings to Isis, Osiris and Horus. If you intend to see the sound and light show, it is worth noting that the Kiosk is also illuminated during the sound and light show as can be seen in the photograph bottom left.





Philae Island is famous for the legend of Isis and Osiris . For example the pylons within the temple of Isis contains depictions of the deities involved in this famous ancient Egyptian myth. Goddess Isis is the wife of Osiris and mother of God Horus. In the myth Osiris was murdered by his brother the wicked God Seth. Seth scattered Osiris pieces in various places. Isis tireleslly searched for Osiris's body parts and then using her Goddess powers to join the pieces together and bring Osiris back to life. Following Osiris' resurrection Isis and Osiris conceived Horus. Osiris then adopted the role of "God of the under world and judge of the dead. At the end of the tale Horus grows up to avenges his father by defeating Seth in combat.

Philae became the legendary burial place of Osiris.

Isis is associated with funeral rites but as she resurrected Osiris and is the mother of of Horus she is also the giver of life, a healer and protector of kings. Osiris ("Mother of God') as represented with a throne on her head.







western colonnadeAlternative photograph of Trajan's Kiosk

Macedonian Emperor, Alexander the Great, came to Egypt after conquering Greece and selected, Alexandria, a small fishing village on the Mediterranean coast to establish his new capital, Alexandria.

Today, Alexandria is Egypt's second biggest city and major Sea Port, blending Roman, Coptic, and Greek sightseeing areas. Alex is well known for its beautiful beaches and sea views.

"The best way of seeing Alexandria is to wander aimlessly." Edward M. Forster.

Montazah Palace and Gardens:

Explore the gardens and beach that made Montazah a city of pleasures. Now a state guesthouse, the Montazah palace, is a celebration of Turkish and Florentine eras. The Shallalat (waterfall) Gardens with rock gardens and a pond, Nouzha Gardens, near Alexandria Zoo, and Antoniadis Gardens, all provide natural pleasures for a restful afternoon.

The Roman Theatre:

A well-preserved ancient theatre that took nearly 30 years to fully excavate. 800 marble seats, galleries and sections of mosaic flooring make any show here more memorable.

The Anfushi Tombs:

Dated at 250 BC, these limestone tombs were specially painted to simulate alabaster and marble. Decorations of Egyptian gods also depict daily life.

Fort Qaitbey:

This landmark is a Giant lighthouse off the northern tip of the Eastern Harbor. Originally the site of Pharos, this ancient lighthouse has been a light in the dark for sailors and a vantage point of the Mediterranean since 279 BC. A navel museum and mosque are contained within.

The Catacombs of Kom es-Shoqafa:

A labyrinth of tombs is stacked on three levels. 2nd century AD statues of Sobek and Anubis wearing Roman armors are inside.

The Greco-Roman Museum:

Covering a period from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD, this collection retraces the numerous influences that spurned local spiritual evolution known in Alexandria as the cult Serapis, a Greco-Roman and Pharaonic religious fusion.

The Royal Jewelry Museum:

Minor Museum in Glym, containing the personal collection of Muhammad Ali.

The Eastern Harbor:

Enjoy the sites and sounds of this ancient port as fishermen and boat builders make a living here as they once did. Serene palms and stately colonial mansions dot the landscape of the bay.

Beaches:

Beaches and tourist facilities line the Corniche of Alex. Stanley beach, Montazah Beach, Aggamy, and Ma'amoura are four fine beaches. Abu Qir, a small fishing town, provides a good spot for sunbathing, fishing, swimming and fresh seafood

Egypt's Red Sea coast runs form the Gulf of Suez to the Sudanese border. Its mineral rich red mountain ranges has inspired the mariners of antiquity to name the sea Mare Rostrum, or the Red Sea.

Hermits, seeking seclusion founded early Christian monasteries here, sharing the wilderness with camel trading Bedouin tribes. Today, the crags and limestone wadis of the Eastern Desert remain relatively unexplored, home to herds of ibex and gazelle. But the Red Sea itself, dotted with coral reefs, fringed by ancient ports, teeming with underwater life, has a rich maritime history which stretches back to Pharaonic times.

Today, the ancient ports are better known as some of the best diving and fishing resorts the world. Sunbathers relax on white sand beaches, or find shade in the mangrove lagoons that line the coast.

The underwater wonder of the Red Sea remains a living tapestry of vibrant corals and exotic fish, waiting for you to discover its secrets.

Egypt's Red Sea Governorate Consists of Several cities that share the same fantasy and magnificence.

Hurghada:

Founded in the early 20th century, Hurghada remained a small fishing village until a few years ago. Today, Hurghada is quickly becoming the #1 tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here, windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but above all snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottomed boats.

Hurghada has featured on international diving itineraries since the 1950s, and is today more popular than ever, thanks to the accelerated pace of recent development. Flights from Europe, as well as Cairo and Luxor, land here on a daily basis. Hurghada is widely considered the capital of the Red Sea, and boasts all the facilities of a modern city without losing its timeless desert ambience. Commercial diving is well established in Hurghada. Some operators use this as a point of departure for sites lying further afield such as Abu Nuhas and Bluff Point. But it is the local sites, which really guarantee Hurghada's especial popularity.

Suez:

Suez has been a commercial port since the 7th century. The spice trade and pilgrimages to Mecca made it prosperous throughout the Middle Ages. It became a navel base in the 15th century and, in 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal ensured its development as a modern city. Today, Suez is one of Egypt's largest ports.

Ain Sukhna:

Ain Sukhna - Arabic for "hot spring" - was named after the nearby sulphur springs. One hour from Cairo it makes for a lovely day trip; this popular weekend resort has fine beaches, coves and coral reefs. It is also an ideal site for fishing and water sports.

Al-Quseir:

Al-Quseir has a long-standing history as one of the major Red Sea Ports; from here Queen Hatshepsut launched her expedition to the Land of Punt. The 16th century fortress of Sultan Selim, still standing in the center of town, shows Al-Quseir's former strategic importance. Today, it is a quiet resort with sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. It is also a suitable site for camping and water sports.

An ancient caravan trail to Qift in the Nile valley, leads from Al-Quseir through the mountains, passing several Pharanoic and Roman sites. A new road, directly to Luxor, has been opened.

Berenice:

An ancient city named by Ptolemy II, it became a trading port in 275 BC. A ruined Temple of Semiramis is located near the modern town; inland, there are the remains of the emerald mines of Wadi Sakait, which were worked from Pharaonic to Roman times. The coast is lined with mangrove swamps and unspoiled bays and cove. Offshore, visit the tectonic island of Zabargad a geological phenomenon that is also famous as the source of the semiprecious gem olivine, mined here form 1500 BC until the mid-20th century. From Peridot Hill there are breathtaking views of the surrounding blue lagoons, rich in marine life and home to many dolphins.

Mersa Alam:

A village with a small harbor and stone quay, Mersa Alam is the ideal base for a fishing holiday. There are some fine offshore coral reefs, and diving facilities are available. A nature reserve stretches from here to Gebel Elba in the south.

Safaga:

Safaga is a working port with several tourist villages specializing in diving holidays, a handful of hotels and some excellent fish restaurants. It is free of pollution and its highly saline water and black sand dunes have distinguished curative properties. The unspoiled beaches and stiff breezes make it an ideal venue for windsurfing. Day trips to Tobia Island or Mons Claudianus in the Red Sea Mountains can be arranged with local guides.

This is undoubtedly the most enjoyable and relaxing way to experience the sights and wonders of ancient Egypt. The land stretching from Luxor to Aswan, in the south of Egypt, is home to many of the world's most impressive monuments of the famed pharaonic civilization. As you cruise on the magical waters of the Egyptian River Nile, you can look around you and see lush greenery along the river Nile banks. Suddenly, an ancient pharaonic temple comes into view and takes you back in time!