The Temple of Amenhotep III is the most distant monument from the main surrounding wall of El-kab since it is at a distance of about 3.4km. It represents, in fact, a repository chapel for the barque, which served at the time of the processions of the goddess Nekhbet. It was co-dedicated to Nekhbet and Hathor.
Location of the Temple of Amenhotep III at El Kab
To the east of the Vulture Rock in Wadi Hillal stands a small-structured temple built in the reign of Amenhotep III (of the 18th Dynasty). The temple is the most distant monument from the main surrounding wall of El Kab since it is at a distance of about 3.4km.
Description
The Temple of Amenhotep III was dedicated to Hathor and Nekhbet. It served as a repository chapel for the barque, which was performed at the time of the processions of the goddess Nekhbet. Since all the structures on this side of the road are small, this temple is only 50 feet long. The portico is gone, but inside are reliefs largely destroyed by Amenhotep IV (Akhenaton) but restored by Seti I. Inscriptions of Khaemwaset (son of Ramses II) and others of Ramses III were carved probably in commemoration of their visits to the place. North of here is several rock-cut tombs with good reliefs.
Two sovereigns are represented here: Amenhotep III and his father, Tuthmosis IV. This temple had been built either by Amenhotep III at the beginning of his reign or started by Tuthmosis IV and finished by his son.
The building was restored in late antiquity, and brightly painted scenes of rituals and the vulture goddess can still be seen. It has raised reliefs decorated with paintings, which have been entirely preserved. On the chapel facade is a text by Prince Khaemwaset, the son of Ramses II, announcing his father’s jubilee in year 42, as well as graffiti by other passing travellers.
Four columns with Hathoric capitols support the roof. In front of the entrance to the temple existed a small hypostyle room with four columns. It represents, in fact, a repository chapel for the barque, which served at the time of the processions of the goddess Nekhbet. It was co-dedicated to Nekhbet and Hathor.
