The mammisi of Augustus is a fascinating temple located in the temple complex of Dendera in Egypt, north of the Temple of Hathor. It is a temple of birth, also called a mammisi, built in Roman times during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD). The word “mammisi” derives from the Coptic word “maamisse”, which means “place of birth”. The mammisis were built to celebrate the divine birth of the Egyptian gods and symbolically represent their creation of the world.
The mammisi of Augustus is one of the best-preserved mammisis of ancient Egypt and offers a unique insight into Roman-era art and architecture. Although Emperor Augustus was Roman, the temple was built in a traditional Egyptian style, with papyrus-shaped columns and bas-reliefs depicting Egyptian mythological scenes. The mammisi of Augustus is dedicated to the triad ofHathor, composed of Hathor herself, her husband, the falcon god Horus, and of their son, the child god Ihy.
The facade of the mammisi of Augustus is decorated with scenes depicting the Emperor Augustus making offerings to the Egyptian gods. There are also representations of the king slaying his enemies, symbolizing victory and the protection of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are decorated with intricately carved bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the divine birth of Ihy.
One of the peculiarities of Augustus' mammisi is the presence of inscriptions in three different languages: hieroglyphic Egyptian, demotic Egyptian and Greek. These inscriptions offer valuable insight into how Egyptians and Romans interacted and co-existed at the time.
The mammisi of Augustus is an outstanding example of Egyptian art and architecture in Roman times. It testifies to the continuity of Egyptian religious and cultural traditions, even after the annexation of the country by the Roman Empire. Today, the mammisi of Augustus is open to visitors and offers a fascinating insight into the history, mythology and architecture of ancient Egypt.
Average temperatures and climate
Month | ° C | ° F | Weather | Climate |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 14 | 57 | ☀️ | Sec |
February | 15 | 59 | ☀️ | Sec |
Mars | 19 | 66 | ☀️ | Sec |
April | 24 | 75 | ☀️ | Sec |
May | 29 | 84 | ☀️ | Sec |
June | 32 | 90 | ☀️ | Sec |
July | 34 | 93 | ☀️ | Sec |
August | 34 | 93 | ☀️ | Sec |
September | 31 | 88 | ☀️ | Sec |
October | 28 | 82 | ☀️ | Sec |
November | 22 | 72 | ☀️ | Sec |
December | 16 | 61 | ☀️ | Sec |
Schedules and info
Opening hours: 7h00 – 17h00
Entrance fee: EGP 100 (included with entrance to the temple of hathor)
Average price for a guide: 150-200 EGP
Other landmarks
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Edfu |