Located on the west bank of the Nile, Edfu is at a midway point between Luxor and Aswan. After Karnak, it is the second largest temple in Egypt; it is also one of the best preserved. Construction began under Ptolemy III Euergetes in the 3rd century BCE but the temple was not completed until the 1st century BCE. |
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Entrance pylonReliefs depict Ptolemy XII in the traditional pose smiting his enemies. |
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Masts with banners were once mounted in the deep grooves of the entrance pylon. |
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The first courtyard, bordered on three sides by columns |
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In the first courtyard, looking back toward the entrance |
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A pair of granite sculptures of the god Horus once flanked the entrance; today the remaining statue is a favorite of tourists. |
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