The Temple of Amada, the oldest Egyptian temple in Nubia, was first constructed by pharaoh Thutmose III of the 18^th dynasty and dedicated to Amun and Re-Horakhty. His son and successor, Amenhotep II continued the decoration plan for this structure. Then, Amenhotep II's successor, Tutmose IV decided to place a roof above its forecourt and transform it into a pillared or hypo style hall.

During the Amarna period, Akhenaton had the name Amun destroyed throughout the temple but this was later restored by Seti I of the 19^th dynasty. Various 19^th dynasty kings especially Seti I and Ramsses II also carried out minor restorations and added to the temple's decoration. The stelas of the Viceroys of Kush Setau, Heqanakht and Messuy and that of Chanceelor Bay describe their building activities under Ramesses II, Merneptah and Siptah respectively.

In 1964, while building the High Dam, a project to save the temple started. Like other Nubian temples, Amada temple was dismantled and relocated about 2.5 away from its original location.