Ramesseum Temple

This view of the Ramesseum is taken from the Roman ruins on top of the Theban hills opposite.

On the very right is the first pylon, the entrance to the temple. Slightly to the left you can see the fallen statue of Ramses II and all that remains of this temple of a thousand years as it was once known.

The Ramesseum as viewed looking down from the top of the first pylon.

Here we look back at the first pylon. The entrance has had to be cemented to keep the structure stable.

In the foreground are the massive hands, still where they landed, after the earthquake that caused the largest statue of Ramses II to topple.

Looking across from the fallen statue to the temple proper.

Once inside and in the shade you can look back and see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the first pylon in the distance.

Just through this doorway, on the left and you will find graffiti left by the early explorers as shown below.

Looking up in the columned hall there is still so much colour there but there are far too many pigeons with several areas now defaced by their droppings.

The walls of the Ramesseum are heavily decorated and must be seen to be fully appreciated.

There is even a large area of ceiling still intact and on it you will see many carvings including the two Egyptian tortoises pictured below.