Widely regarded as one of Egypt’s most beautiful and best-preserved temples, Dendera was established during the Greco-Roman era. But construction was taking place at the spot since at least the Old Kingdom. An inscription on-site, meanwhile, states that the temple plans date from a far older era, when Egypt was ruled by semi-divine beings known as the ‘Followers of Horus.’

The main temple structure was started during the late Ptolemaic period. And it was completed during the reign of Roman emperor Augustus, who became pharaoh of Egypt following the reign of Cleopatra VII.

But despite being built during a time of foreign rule, the temple follows Egypt’s tradition of, well, honoring tradition! Dendera is dedicated to Hathor, one of Egypt’s oldest and most important goddesses. 

In addition to its breathtaking Hypostyle Hall, Dendera is also home to two famous carvings. Within an upper-level chamber is the unique Dendera Zodiac, while the subterranean crypt is home to a controversial relief that many call the ‘Dendera Lightbulb.’

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