Temple of Hathor at Dendera

As you step into the Dendera temple complex, you will face the Temple of goddess Hathor. It is the dominant building in the complex and one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

Location of Temple of Hathor at Dendera

The Temple of Hathor in Dendera stands inside the temples in the Dendera Temple Complex, Qena Governorate. The Complex Temple of Dendera is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Besides, the whole complex covers some 40,000 square meters, and a big mud brick enclosed wall surrounds it. The ancient Egyptians used the Dendera area as the sixth Nome of Upper Egypt, south of Abydos.

Goddess Hathor

Goddess Hathor was one of the principal goddesses of the ancient Egyptian religion. She was the goddess of sky, music, dance, joy, love, sexuality and maternal care. Also, the goddess appeared as the heavenly mother of Horus and Ra.

History of the Temple

The temple of Hathor in Dendera is a wondrous marvel to explore! This temple has been modified on the same site starting as far back as the Middle Kingdom and continuing right until the Roman emperor Trajan.

The Egyptians primarily constructed the present Temple of Hathor during the Late Ptolemaic period, specifically during Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra VII. Later, the Romans added to the construction of this temple. Although the dynasty of rulers, who built this temple, were not native Egyptians, the temple’s design follows that of other classical Egyptian temples except for the facade of the hypostyle hall. Emperor Tiberius constructed this facade according to the inscription above the entrance.

Features of the Temple of Goddess Hathor

Layout elements of the temple of Hathor include the following:

1. Large Hypostyle Hall.
2. Small Hypostyle Hall.
3. Laboratory.
4. Offering entry.
5. Storage magazine.
6. Exit to Well.
7. Access to the Stairwell.
8. Hall of the Ennead.
9. Offering hall.
10. Great Seat and the main sanctuary.
11. Shrine of the Nome of Dendera.
12. Shrine of Isis.
13. The Pure Palace.
14. Shrine of Sokar.
15. Shrine of Harsomtus.
16. Court of First Feast.
17. Shrine of Hathor’s Sistrum.
18. Shrine of gods of Lower Egypt.
19. Passage.
20. Shrine of Hathor.
21. Shrine of the throne of Re.
22. Staircase to the roof.
23. Shrine of Re.
24. Shrine of Menat collar.
25. Treasury.
26. Also, the Shrine of Ihy.