The Temple of Kalabsha (also Temple
of Mandulis) is a Ancient Egyptian temple that was originally
located at Bab al-Kalabsha (Gate of Kalabsha), approximately 50 kilometers
south of Aswan. The temple was situated on the west bank of the Nile River in
Nubia, and was originally built around 30 BC during the early Roman era. While
the temple was constructed in Augustus's reign, it was never finished.
The temple was a tribute to Mandulis
(Merul), a Lower Nubian sun god. It was constructed over an earlier sanctuary
of Amenhotep II. The temple is 76 meters long and 22 meters wide in dimension.
While the structure dates to the Roman period, it features many fine reliefs
such as a fine carving of Horus emerging from reeds, on the inner curtain wall
of the temple. From Kalabsha's sanctuary chambers, a staircase leads up to the
roof of the temple where one can see a splendid view of the temple itself and
the sacred lake. Several historical records were inscribed
on the temple walls of Kalabsha such as a long inscription carved by the Roman Governor
Aurelius Besarion in AD 250, forbidding pigs in the templ, as well as an
inscription of the Nubian king Silko, carved during the 5th century and
recording his victory over the Blemmves and a picture of him dressed as a Roman
soldier on horseback. Silko was the Christian king of the Nubian kingdom of
Nobatia.