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The
site of Kom Ombo hosts the Ptolemaic Temple
of Herwer (Haroeris) and Sobek, as well
as a smaller, Roman-Period temple to Hathor,
and a Nilometer.
The Temple of Haroeris and Sobek is noted
for its symmetrical construction: two entrances,
two sanctuaries, and a line of symmetry
that divides the temple into the domains
of Haroeris and Sobek. The
worship of Sobek, the crocodile god, is
an example of the manner in which the Egptians
turned dangerous creatures into protectors.
Sacred crocodiles were kept at the temple
here, and mummified and buried after death.
Along
the inside of the outer wall are images
thought to be connected with Egyptian
medicine, including what appear to be birthing
chairs and a series of surgical instruments.
A new
museum has just opened on the site.
HOURS OF
OPERATION:
Daily, 9 AM – 5
PM
TICKET COST:
Egyptian:
2 LE
Foreign: 25 LE
50% reduction for bearers of International
Student ID Card
LOCATION:
Kom Ombo is 45 km north of Aswan. The
temple itself, however, is about 4 km
outside of town.
DIRECTIONS:
BY BOAT: The site is a popular stop for the
cruise boats. From the docks, you can walk
to the entrance of the temple.
BY BUS: Buses run regularly from Luxor and
Aswan, and you can ask to be dropped off
at the marked road leading to the temple.
BY
TAXI: A convoy must be used for long distance
travel, but from within the town, ask for
maabd Kom Ombo, about a 7 LE ride.
FACILITIES:
By
the site itself, just on the outside, is
a tourist bazaar which also includes
a few cafés. |
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The Temple of
Haroeris and Sobek at Kom Ombo
(Martina Minas-Nerpel) |
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The interior
of the temple (SCA Archives) |
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