 The Kiosk of Trajan (Pharoah's bedstead). |
Philae (Greek) or Pilak (in ancient Egyptian) Island was known as the "island from the time of Re" or "the end" and at one time defined the southernmost limit of Egypt. The temple complex at Philae was built over a period of eight hundred years -- begun by Ptolemy II, completed by the Roman Emperors, and was associated with the public worship of Isis. The lake created by the construction of the first Aswan Dam (1898-1912) submerged the Temple of Isis for half the year. The building of the high dam (1972-1980) meant that Philae would likely disappear and so the entire temple complex was moved to Aglika Island. |