There are many powerful stories in Egyptian mythology, however one in particular stands out; Isis and Osiris. According to the story, Osiris was killed and set adrift on the Nile. He was then brought back to life by his wife Isis, so he could receive a proper burial ceremony. Because of this, the Nile would flood every year because of the tears Isis cried for Osiris. The flood water would bring life back to the land just as life was brought back to Osiris. The Temple of Philae was constructed in their honor and also has a story of rebirth.

The Temple was built on the rocky island of Philae and stood proud for centuries. In 1902 the Aswan dam was built in order to control flooding and provide irrigation for farmlands. Because of this, the Temple of Philae became submerged and stayed underwater for decades.

In the 1970s interest in resurrecting the temple arose. Egypt partnered with the UNESCO to dismantle and move the temple to Agilika, an island that was landscaped to resemble Philae as closely as possible. Stone by stone the temple was carefully moved until it became restored. This process would take almost a decade, but in 1980 the temple was reopened. Currently, the Temple of Philae is open to the public and visitors are free to explore it. The effort that it took to restore the temple was incredible, but now everyone can enjoy the reliefs, hieroglyphics and architecture of this historic Egyptian jewel.

Enid Glasgow