Back to Egypt for a tad longer

The Temple of Sobek and Haroeris in Kom Ombo (also known simply as Kom

Ombo Temple) dates from about 180 BC during the Ptolemaic era, with additions

made into Roman times. It stands right on the bank of the Nile between Edfu and

Aswan, making it a convenient stop for river cruises.

In ancient times, Kom Ombo stood on an important crossroads between the

caravan route from Nubia and trails from the gold mines in the eastern desert.

During the reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor (180-145 BC), it became a training

depot for African war elephants, which were used to fight the fierce pachyderms

of the Seleucid empire.

The temple at Kom Ombo was also built at this time, under Ptolemy VI. Since this

bend in the Nile was a favored spot for crocodiles to bask in the sun and threaten

locals, it is natural that the temple would be dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile

god. But it is unusual in having a double dedication: it also honors Haroeris, a

form of the falcon-headed god Horus.

The hypostyle halls were added under Ptolemy XIII (51-47 BC); the Roman

emperor Trajan (53-117 AD) added the forecourt and outer enclosure walls.

Today, Kom Ombo is home to many Nubians who were displaced from their

ancestral homes by the rise of Lake Nasser caused by Aswan Dam. Tourism is not

the only industry in Kom Ombo: sugar cane is harvested on the river banks and

there are felucca-building yards here.