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Elephantine
Ancient Egyptian: Yabu or Abu
Island with important cult centres of the Ancient Egyptian Religion. Elephantine belongs to the modern city of Aswan, effectively the southernmost city of Egypt.
The cults of Elephantine were linked to the strategic importance of the region, representing the traditional southern border of Egypt. At this place, known as the 1st cataract, the Nile passes through its narrowest point along its entire route, 350 metre wide, causing dramatic cascades at times of the year. Around the cultic centres, an extensive town covered most the island.
The main gods of Elephantine were Khnum, Satet and their daughter, Anuket.
The Temple of Khnum is the dominant here, resting on the highest point at the island's north end. Today, only its bases remain, though a part of the gate still stand (see photo).
There are a few temples of Satet built within the same area. At the location of the largest of these temples, 7 temples have been identified, each built on top of the older. The first dates back to ca. 2800 BCE, the last to 150 BCE. The oldest of these is also among the oldest temples to be found in Egypt. It is centered around a natural niche in rock, and had several small rooms built around this point.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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