AncientPages.com - The Solar Cult Complex in the temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari, reconstructed by a Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw mission, was opened to visitors on the 22th of February, 2015.
Left: Hatshepsut; Right: General view of the shrine of Anubis. Credits: Polsko-Egipska Ekspedycja Archeologiczno-Konserwatorska w Świątyni Hatszepsut w Deir el-Bahari
The funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few women pharaohs, who ruled Upper Egypt, was built in 15th century BC.
Situated at the foot of a towering rocky slope in which it is partly hewn, it consists of three terraces connected by ramps leading to vast porticoes.
Sun Cult Complex. Credits: Egyptian-Polish Archaeological and Conservation Mission of the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari
The Polish archaeological mission was assigned the task of reconstructing the Upper Terrace of the temple in the 1960s. Subsequently, multiple generations of archaeologists, restorers, and architects have conducted meticulous work, resulting in the successful rebuilding of the Terrace, inclusive of the Solar Cult Complex.
Throughout this process, the extant walls of the temple were preserved, and their exquisite relief decoration was meticulously restored to its former beauty.
The excavation of the temple's rubble yielded tens of thousands of stone blocks bearing fragments of relief decoration, which were systematically reassembled.
This comprehensive restoration effort has enabled researchers to comprehend the religious program of Queen Hatshepsut in greater depth.
Tuthmosis I and his mother Senseneb. Egyptian-Polish Archaeological and Conservation Mission of the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari
The research conducted has provided significant insights into Queen Hatshepsut's religious program. Through their meticulous work, scholars were able to decipher and interpret the underlying messages within the complex.
The Polish research team made several notable contributions to our understanding of the site. Firstly, they successfully reconstructed the appearance of the Solar Cult Complex, offering a visual representation of its original state. Secondly, they determined the specific functions of individual rooms within the complex, shedding light on how different spaces were utilized. They also established the chronological order in which these rooms were constructed, providing valuable information about the site's development over time.
These findings collectively enhance our knowledge of ancient Egyptian religious practices and architectural developments during Queen Hatshepsut's reign.
The Upper Terrace of the Temple of Hatshepsut in the end of the 19th century (Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York)
Regarding the reconstruction of the central element of the Complex, specifically the Solar Altar situated within an open-air courtyard, proposed configurations incorporate an offering table accompanied by two obelisks on either side.
The restoration efforts undertaken in this section of Queen Hatshepsut's temple have culminated in its comprehensive reconstruction. Consequently, this area will henceforth be accessible to visitors for their observation and appreciation.
Conny Waters - AncientPages.com
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