Kom Ombo is an unusual temple in that it is dedicated to not one, but two triads. It is a symmetrical temple split into two halves, with the left hand side being dedicated to Horus the Elder, and the right hand side dedicated to Sobek.
The temple is located right on the banks of the Nile and the first pylon has collapsed. Before the dam was built the temple would have flooded regularly, and some thought that the Egyptians made a mistake in choosing this location. In actual fact this site would have been chosen deliberately: Sobek is the crocodile-headed God, and flooding would have been considered as honouring his temple.
At Kom Ombo is the only existing example of a Nilometer: a deep shaft connected to the Nile where a priest would measure the water depth and forecast the flooding, or inundation season, so that the Egyptians could predict the expected harvest and plan their stores accordingly.
Egyptians used to mummify the animals of their Gods and 400 mummified crocodiles were discovered at Kom Ombo, many of which are now in a brand new museum which opened only the week before our visit.
Kom Ombo also contains the earliest recorded calendar, recording the King’s diary over the course of the months.
(I’m aware that this is a slight cheat. I had a completely different topic planned for O, but people seem to be enjoying my travel posts & I love this fascinating temple, so I made a switch)
That is so interesting! I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt but haven’t been able to yet. Glad I stopped by, I look forward to reading the rest of your A to posts!
Just a Nice Girl
Thanks Jen. There’s quite a few other Egypt themed posts in my A-Z this year. Good luck with the rest of the challenge!
OMG, mummifies crocs! That must have been quite a sight. It i s even a shocker from looking at the little photo. I’m over from A to Z so pop on by if you like! Catherine (Catherine Stine’s Idea City)
It certainly was Catherine! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck with the rest of the challenge