The Abu Simbel temple, a complex made up of two rock-cut temples, one of which is dedicated to Ramses II and the other to Nefertari, his first and favorite wife. The complex is made up of two temples. The Great Temple to the deified gods Ra-Horakty, Ptah and Ramses II, and the Lesser Temple to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari. The temple has four seated colossi flanking the entrance, two on each side, representing Ramses II on his throne. Beneath these gigantic figures are smaller statues representing Ramses’ conquered enemies. There are more statues representing various family members and some protective gods and symbols of power. Passing between the two colossi, one accesses the interior of the temple, which is decorated with engravings showing Ramses and Nefertari paying homage to the gods.
