Amada Temple is a well-preserved ancient Egyptian temple located in the city of Sohag, Egypt. It was there during the Ptolemaic period. Around 200 BCE, and belongs to the god Amun and his wife, the goddess Mut.

People buit the temple of limestone and features intricate carvings and reliefs that depict scenes from Egyptian mythology and daily life. It also have been a place of worship for the god Horus.

Historical records

There are two important historical inscriptions from Amada temple. The earliest, dated to Year 3 of Amenhotep II, “is on a round topped stelae at the rear (eastern) wall of the sanctuary.” Its text describes this pharaoh’s ruthless military campaign in Asia:

His Majesty returned in joy to his father Amun after he had slain with his own mace the seven chiefs in the district of Takhesy (Syria) who were then hung upside down from the prow of the boat of His Majesty.

Amenhotep II goes on to describe how he hanged six of the dead chiefs “on the walls of Thebes” while the seventh he hanged him on the walls of Napata (a Nubian frontier city near the Fourth Cataract). This was done as a clear warning to the subject Nubians of the dangerous consequences of rebellion during Amenhotep’s reign. The second historical text, “on a stela engraved on the left (northern) thickness of the entrance doorway”. Mentions the defeat of an invasion from Libya in Year 4 of Merneptah.

The temple was described by early travellers and first published by Henri Gauthier in 1913.

The temple is famous for its impressive architecture, with its 32 columns. Each topped with a capital carved with images of lotus flowers, leaves, and other vegetation. The temple’s walls have hieroglyphics that provide information about the temple’s construction and the lives of the pharaohs who ruled during that time.

Relief of Thutmose III before the gods at Amada

Conclusion

Amada Temple is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the temple’s many chambers and corridors. Admire its beautiful carvings, and learn about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.