The Temple of Isis on the island of Philae is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temple complexes of Ancient Egypt, located on the island of Agilkia in Aswan. This temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Isis, is a unique monument. It was the main religious center of the cult of Isis during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, remaining a place of pilgrimage even after the arrival of Christianity.
History and Context: The Last Stronghold of the Ancient Faith
The construction of the main Temple of Isis began under Pharaoh Nectanebo I (30th Dynasty, c. 380–362 BC) and continued for almost 700 years! The main contributions were made by the powerful rulers of the Ptolemaic era (the Greco-Macedonian dynasty)—Ptolemy II Philadelphus, Ptolemy V Epiphanes, and others—while the final reliefs were created under Roman emperors such as Augustus, Tiberius, and Trajan (1st–2nd centuries AD).
This was an era of cultural synthesis: Greek rulers, to strengthen their power, actively supported and embellished ancient Egyptian cults. Philae became the main center for the worship of Isis throughout the Mediterranean, attracting pilgrims even after the official ban on pagan cults in the Roman Empire. In fact, it was the last active pagan temple in Egypt, closed only under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 550 AD.
Architecture and Layout of the Temple of Isis
The complex is not enormous in size (approximately 150 x 50 m) but is incredibly harmonious and rich in detail. It is a classic example of late Egyptian temple architecture. It is dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, but also to her husband Osiris and son Horus.
The Dromos and First Pylon: The path begins at the ancient landing stage where boats arrived. A paved causeway (dromos) with Alexandrian granite lions leads to the temple. You are greeted by a massive first pylon (18 m high) with classic reliefs: Ptolemy XII smiting enemies before Isis, Horus, and other gods.
The First Courtyard and Colonnade: Behind the pylon is an open courtyard, surrounded on the west by an elegant colonnade of Emperor Augustus. Thirty-two columns with lush floral capitals create a sense of lightness and solemnity.
The Second Pylon and Inner Chambers: Next comes a second, smaller pylon, leading to a hypostyle hall and then to the very heart of the sanctuary—the naos (holy of holies). Here, in a small granite shrine, once stood the cult statue of Isis. The walls of the naos are covered with the finest reliefs.
The Pavilion (Kiosk) of Trajan: The hallmark of Philae is the elegant, yet unfinished pavilion (kiosk) of Emperor Trajan. Its 14 columns with capitals in the shape of complex floral baskets support massive architraves. This structure likely served as a river portico where the sacred barque of Isis would dock.
Reliefs and Symbols: In addition to classic offering scenes, there are many scenes from the myth of Isis and Osiris: Isis leaning over her husband`s body, the birth of Horus, his victory over Set. Of particular interest are reliefs with symbols of Ptolemaic power and depictions of Cleopatra VII (for example, on the temple`s outer wall).
The Great Relocation: A Rescue from the Waters
Originally, the temple stood on the island of Philae, but after the construction of the First Aswan Dam (1898-1902), it was partially submerged for 9-10 months each year. Reliefs eroded, and masonry suffered. With the advent of the High Aswan Dam project (1960-1970), Philae faced complete flooding.
A monumental decision was made as part of an international UNESCO campaign: to cut the temple complex into 40,000 blocks, weighing up to 20 tons each, and move it to the higher island of Agilkia, located 500 meters away. Work was carried out from 1972 to 1980. The island of Agilkia was artificially transformed into an exact replica of the original island of Philae. Thus, today you are visiting not just ruins, but the triumph of 20th-century archaeological engineering.
What a Tourist Must See:
• The Pavilion (Kiosk) of Trajan: Photographing its reflection in the Nile waters is a classic Aswan shot.
• The Relief on the First Pylon: The scene of "Pharaoh-Ptolemy" smiting enemies.
• The Holy of Holies (Naos): Experience the atmosphere of the mysterious cult center.
• The "Mammisi" (Birth House): A small temple to the west of the main one, dedicated to the divine birth of Horus.
• The Temple of Hathor: A small temple with columns crowned with heads of the goddess Hathor (depicted as a woman with cow`s ears).
• The Sound and Light Show: An evening performance that immerses you in the mythology and history of the island.
The Temple of Isis on the island of Philae is a place you must see in Aswan. Here, on a small island, everything that characterizes the late period of ancient Egyptian culture is gathered: elegant architecture, mythological reliefs, and evidence of the power of Greco-Roman rulers who revered the local gods.
