12/10/2009
We arrived at the Kom Ombo Temple just before the sun set. It is right next to the Nile river. The view was absolutely gorgeous. The temple is divided between two gods- Sobeik and Horus. Sobeik and Horus fought over who would have the temple. So, Ma'at (the goddess of justice) intervened and split the temple. On one of the walls, there was a figure of a human and a complete sentence in heiroglyphics saying 'humans should pray to the gods in that place'. This is interesting because heiroglyphics are not usually in full sentences.
We also saw the most ancient calendar. It was perfectly preserved on the wall. There were three seasons: winter, flood, and summer. Each season has four months. Each month had three weeks. Each week had ten days. This comes out to 360 days; the ancient Egyptians added 5 days at the end.
We also saws the sacrificial table made of granite. It was not very large, but this was for animal sacrifices. Across from the table, there was a set of stairs where the Pharoahs would watch the sacrifices to the gods. It is very comforting to know that humans were not sacrificed on that table; it would have been uncomfortable.
The most amazing part of the temple was the set of heiroglyphics of medical instruments. These included knives, saws, sponges, scissors, vaccum glasses, stethescopes, and metal spoons. The heiroglyphics were perfectly preserved. I could not help but think of the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus. This papyrus consisted of forty eight documented surgical cases. The rooms in the temple were used as clinics.
On another wall, there were images of Sclapius (god of medicine) making prescriptions for the Roman emperor Trashlen. The ancient Egyptians had hundreds of prescriptions for various ailments. On the other side of the wall, we saw what looked like a large well. This used to be the bathing area of Queen Cleopatra. She would visit there every year. The temple was absolutely gorgeous and even better to see at night.
Posted at 1:25 PM by Gina Osburn