Philae Island




Philae Island
The Greeks named it Philae. The ancient Egyptians named it PA-LI-K meaning ‘end'. Another meaning is ‘creation'. However its name or meaning, the Philae Island does not exist anymore. Yet the great temples of Philae were rescued by the Unesco Project in 1960. While the waters of the Aswan Dam flooded Philae Island, the temples were moved to the island of Agilkia nearby. The island was probably a site of worship since the 4th century B.C, when a small temple was built to the goddess Isis. Most of the great temple to Isis was built between Ptolemy II (285-246 B.C.) and Diocletian (A.D. 284-305). For centuries people came from all over Egypt, the Mediterranean, Nubia and far beyond to worship the goddess Isis. The cult of Isis was well spread in the Roman world, and Philae survived as the last outpost of an ancient religion far into the 6th century, when Byzantine Emperor Justinianus finally ordered the closure of the temples. The priesthood was chased away or imprisoned. Soon the way of an ancient life along with the art of reading and writing hieroglyphs was forgotten. The temples and other buildings on the island, and the graceful structure by the waterfront, the Vestibule of Emperor Trajan, lost its religious significance for centuries to come. Only in the 19th century and with the birth of Egyptology, the island won attraction again among historians and archeologists. Not too late. In 1902 the Aswan Low Dam was built and many ancient archaeological monuments and landmarks were at risk by the seasonal floodings which washed away the great colors of the temple walls, which less than a generation ago were admired by the famous British novelist Amelia Edwards who paid the island a visit from 1873-1874. Rescue was finally on its way with the UNESCO-led project of relocating the historical monuments at risk prior to the operation of the Aswan High Dam. The temple complex of Philae was relocated, piece by piece, to the neighbouring island of Agilika. Though the beautiful colorful paintings are lost forever, there is so much still standing, that makes it perfectly easy to imagine how impressive the original island of once must have been. Among the temples and chapels are a modern restaurant and seating for the audience at the sound and light show. Philae (or actually the island of Agilkia ) can be reached by motorboats. .

Excel Travel's Homepage published 31 March, 2008 Source: Angela