Kom Ombo Temple

The Kom Ombo Temple is dedicated to two triads of deities: Sobek, his wife Hathor and their child Khonsu; and Horus, his wife Tasenetnofret and their child Panebtawy. Given Sobek and Horus's high status as two of ancient Egypt's primary gods, the temple was also known as the "House of the Crocodile" and "Castle of the Falcon." This dual temple boasts two entrances and two sanctuaries. Depictions of Sobek, bearing the body of a man and the head of a crocodile, can be found throughout. Archaeologists have found mummified crocodiles at the site, and some say more than 300 of the reptiles were found inside the temple.

As with many of Egypt's historic sites, the Kom Ombo Temple fell into disrepair through the ages due to natural disasters and looting. The creep of disintegration was halted by archaeologist Jacques de Morgan in 1893, when he tidied up the Sobek side of the temple. In 1992, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake again damaged the structure, necessitating extensive renovations. Now fully refurbished, Kom Ombo's stunning carvings and massive columns form a most impressive picture.Read more