Abu Simbel: Temples of Ramesses II—construction, rediscovery, and relocation (c. 1264 BCE–1968 CE)

1. Kadesh victory narrative publicized in temple reliefs

   Jan 1, 1275 BCELabels: Ramesses II, Battle of, Abu Simbel

   • Britannica
   • Wikipedia

2. Great Temple completed and dedicated

   Jan 1, 1265 BCELabels: Great Temple, Ramesses II, Amun

   • Wikipedia
   • Britannica

3. Construction of the Great Temple begins

   Jan 1, 1264 BCELabels: Great Temple, Ramesses II, Abu Simbel

   • UNESCO WHC
   • Britannica
   • Wikipedia

4. Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari built

   Jan 1, 1250 BCELabels: Small Temple, Nefertari, Hathor

   • Wikipedia
   • UNESCO WHC

5. Site becomes largely buried by drifting sand

   Jan 1, 1700Labels: Abu Simbel, Sahara Sands

   • UNESCO WHC
   • Wikipedia

6. Burckhardt reaches Abu Simbel in modern times

   Jan 1, 1813Labels: Johann Burckhardt, Abu Simbel

   • Britannica
   • Wikipedia

7. Belzoni begins clearing the sanded-up façade

   Sep 1, 1816Labels: Giovanni Belzoni, Abu Simbel

   • Wikipedia

8. Belzoni’s team enters the Great Temple

   Aug 1, 1817Labels: Belzoni, Great Temple

   • UNESCO WHC
   • AUC Press
   • Wikipedia

9. UNESCO launches the Nubian monuments rescue campaign

   Jan 1, 1960Labels: UNESCO, Nubian Monuments

   • UNESCO WHC
   • UNESCO WHC

10. Aswan High Dam construction begins

    Jan 9, 1960Labels: Aswan High, Egypt

    • Wikipedia
    • UNESCO WHC

11. Abu Simbel relocation works start

    Jan 1, 1964Labels: Relocation Project, Abu Simbel, UNESCO

    • UNESCO WHC
    • Wikipedia

12. Abu Simbel inaugurated at its new location

    Sep 22, 1968Labels: Relocated Temples, Abu Simbel, Inauguration

    • UNESCO WHC
    • Wikipedia
    • Wikipedia

13. Nubian Monuments site inscribed on World Heritage List

    Jan 1, 1979Labels: Nubian Monuments, UNESCO, Philae

    • UNESCO WHC
    • Wikipedia