Lecture Notes: Preservation of Abu Simbel

Introduction

Abu Simbel: one of the greatest treasures of the ancient world, hidden for over 3,000 years.
Threatened by rising waters of the Nile.
Preservation involved scientific innovation and cooperation from over 50 countries.
Impact on cultural heritage preservation and understanding of human history.

Built to immortalize Ramses II, the greatest pharaoh of Egypt.
Features four colossi of Ramses and documents the Battle of Kadesh (a propaganda tool).
Aim was to rival the pyramids, but construction was adapted due to resource limitations.
Carved into a mountain rather than built from stone blocks, showcasing architectural innovation.
Took 20 years to complete.
Ramses II's death led to power vacuum and decline of the kingdom, with symbols like Abu Simbel abandoned.

1813: Johann Ludwig Burckhardt found the top frieze; Giovanni Belzoni excavated it in 1817.
1959: Construction of the Aswan High Dam posed a threat of flooding Abu Simbel and nearby monuments.
Egyptian and Sudanese governments requested UN assistance for preservation.

1960: UN launched a mission to rescue Abu Simbel, overseen by UNESCO.
Fundraising raised over $40 million from 50 countries.
Highlighted the global importance of conservation and international cooperation.

1961: Work began on the Aswan High Dam, while efforts to raise Abu Simbel commenced.
Complex challenges included size, structural integrity, and historical significance.
Main temple: 120 feet wide and 100 feet tall, contained ornate chambers with hieroglyphs.
Swedish engineering firm developed plans balancing architectural integrity with historical needs.
Methods involved cutting over 1,000 blocks weighing an average of 60,000 pounds, with precision (8 mm cuts).
Care taken to protect the appearance of the statues and delicate sculptures.

Three-part relocation process:
1. Build an artificial mountain to replace the original cliff.
2. Cut and move temple facades and rooms.
3. Create a concrete dome to protect the temple.
1968: Project completed, temple safely moved 300 feet from original location.

Set a precedent for future preservation efforts.
Laid groundwork for UNESCO's work on other historic sites.
Innovations from Abu Simbel project later used for sites threatened by the Three Gorges Dam in China and flooding in Venice.
UNESCO currently protects over 900 World Heritage Sites globally.
Abu Simbel continues to attract visitors, embodying ancient ingenuity and modern preservation efforts.

The preservation of Abu Simbel changed how we view and preserve cultural heritage.
An exemplary case of innovation in the face of adversity.