Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts episode 4 – Alice’s thrilling adventure reaches its grand finale in the captivating city of Aswan, known for its rich heritage and the historic quarries that provided the exquisite granite used in the construction of the country’s awe-inspiring Ancient Egyptian monuments. With its towering obelisks and majestic temples, Aswan stands as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship and enduring legacy of the ancient civilization. As Alice explores the city’s labyrinthine streets, she is enthralled by the stories whispered by the ancient stones, each one bearing witness to the grandeur and glory of a bygone era.
After immersing herself in the captivating history of Aswan, Alice sets sail on a delightful boat journey, gliding along the tranquil waters of the Nile to behold the extraordinary Philae Temple. Nestled on a picturesque island, this architectural marvel transports her back in time, where she can marvel at the intricate hieroglyphics and soak in the mystical ambiance of Egypt’s past. The temple’s walls seem to speak to her, sharing secrets and mysteries that have withstood the test of time.
As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the temple’s façade, Alice’s heart is filled with a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for the grandeur of Ancient Egypt. The air is thick with the magic and reverence that permeates every inch of the temple, and Alice finds herself lingering, reluctant to leave this sacred space.
In this moment, Alice realizes that her adventure in Aswan is not just a mere journey, but a transformative experience that has connected her to the ancient spirits of Egypt. The echoes of the past resonate within her, leaving an indelible mark on her soul. With a heart brimming with gratitude and awe, Alice bids farewell to Aswan, carrying the memories of this extraordinary expedition forever etched in her mind.
Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts episode 4 -Exploring the Mysteries of the Philae Temple Complex
The Philae Temple Complex, a gem nestled in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam in Egypt, holds a wealth of historical, cultural, and architectural richness. This island-based complex was once situated on Philae Island, a small yet significant location in the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt. However, due to various floodings since the construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902, the temple complex was carefully dismantled and relocated to the nearby Agilkia Island. This massive undertaking was part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign project, a dedicated effort to preserve this and other complexes from the rising waters caused by the completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1970. The move not only ensured the preservation of this historical site but also opened up the opportunity for historians, archaeologists, and visitors from all over the world to explore and appreciate the mysteries of the ancient world.
Historical Background
Philae, despite its small size, held a significant place in the annals of ancient history. It was mentioned in the works of numerous ancient writers, including Strabo, Diodorus Siculus, Ptolemy, Seneca, and Pliny the Elder. The island was not more than 380 meters long and about 120 meters broad, yet its rich historical and cultural relevance far outweighed its physical dimensions. The island was filled with picturesque ruins, remnants of a past that echoed tales of an era where deities and pharaohs reigned supreme.
The island of Philae was held in high reverence both by the Egyptians to the north and the Nubians to the south, often referred to as “Ethiopians” in Greek texts. The island was considered one of the burying-places of Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, the underworld, and rebirth. This belief endowed Philae with a sacred aura, making it a site of great religious significance. It was deemed so sacred that it was considered profane for any but priests to dwell there and was accordingly sequestered and denominated “the Unapproachable”. It was reported that neither birds flew over it nor fish approached its shores, further emphasizing its sanctity and seclusion.
By the time of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, Philae had become a popular site, attracting not only pilgrims to the tomb of Osiris but also individuals on secular errands. This influx of visitors led the priests to petition Ptolemy VIII Physcon to prohibit public functionaries from visiting the island and living at their expense. Despite these measures, the allure of Philae remained undiminished, drawing visitors with its intriguing ruins and the mysteries they held.
Architectural Marvels of Philae
The Philae Temple Complex is an architectural marvel, housing several impressive structures that stand as testaments to the artistic and engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians. The following sections highlight some of the prominent structures within the complex, each bearing its unique story and significance.
The Philae Temple is the eponymous structure of the complex, dedicated to the gods Isis and Osiris. Built with exquisite craftsmanship, it showcases the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture and the deep-rooted religious beliefs of the civilization. The temple walls are adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics that provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of the period. The Isis Temple, another significant structure in the complex, was a place of worship for the goddess Isis, one of the most important deities worshipped by the people.
The Philae temple complex, located in Egypt, is an island-based structure in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, downstream of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser. The temple complex was initially situated on Philae Island, near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt, but was later moved to nearby Agilkia Island to protect it from floods caused by the construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902. The temple complex was held in high reverence by both the Egyptians and the Nubians due to its association with Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld, the dead, and regeneration.
Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts episode 4 – FAQ
1. What is “Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts”?
“Ancient Egypt by Train with Alice Roberts” is a documentary series that follows the adventures of Alice Roberts as she explores the ancient wonders of Egypt. In episode 4, Alice’s journey reaches its grand finale in the captivating city of Aswan.
2. What is the significance of Aswan in Ancient Egypt?
Aswan is known for its rich heritage and historic quarries that provided the exquisite granite used in the construction of Ancient Egyptian monuments. It is home to towering obelisks and majestic temples, serving as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship and enduring legacy of the ancient civilization.
3. What is the Philae Temple Complex?
The Philae Temple Complex is a gem nestled in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam in Egypt. It holds a wealth of historical, cultural, and architectural richness. Originally located on Philae Island, it was carefully dismantled and relocated to nearby Agilkia Island to preserve it from floodings caused by the Aswan Low Dam.
4. Why was the Philae Temple Complex moved?
The move of the Philae Temple Complex was part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign project, which aimed to protect historical sites from the rising waters caused by the completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1970. The relocation ensured the preservation of the temple complex and opened up the opportunity for exploration and appreciation by historians, archaeologists, and visitors.
5. What are some architectural marvels within the Philae Temple Complex?
The Philae Temple Complex houses several impressive structures that showcase the artistic and engineering prowess of ancient Egypt. The eponymous Philae Temple itself is dedicated to the gods Isis and Osiris and features intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. The complex also includes the Isis Temple, another significant structure dedicated to the goddess Isis.
6. What is the historical background of Philae Island?
Philae Island held a significant place in ancient history and was mentioned in the works of various ancient writers. It was considered a burying-place of Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife and rebirth, making it a site of great religious significance. Philae Island was held in high reverence by both Egyptians and Nubians, and its ruins echoed tales of an era when deities and pharaohs reigned supreme.
7. How did Philae Island gain its sacred aura?
Philae Island’s association with Osiris and its role as a burying-place of the god endowed it with a sacred aura. It was considered profane for anyone other than priests to dwell there, and it was sequestered and denominated “the Unapproachable.” The island’s sanctity and seclusion were further emphasized by the absence of birds flying over it and fish approaching its shores.
8. Who visited Philae Island during the Ptolemaic Kingdom?
During the Ptolemaic Kingdom, Philae Island became a popular site, attracting not only pilgrims to the tomb of Osiris but also individuals on secular errands. The priests petitioned Ptolemy VIII Physcon to prohibit public functionaries from visiting the island and living at their expense. Despite these measures, the allure of Philae remained undiminished.
9. How can visitors explore the mysteries of the ancient world at the Philae Temple Complex?
Visitors from all over the world now have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the mysteries of the ancient world at the Philae Temple Complex. They can witness the exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and hieroglyphics that provide insights into the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians. Guided tours and educational resources are available to enhance the visitor’s experience.
10. How does Alice Roberts describe her adventure in Aswan?
Alice Roberts describes her adventure in Aswan as a transformative experience that connects her to the ancient spirits of Egypt. She feels a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for the grandeur of Ancient Egypt and carries the memories of this extraordinary expedition forever etched in her mind.
