Temple of Kom Ombo, Egypt
A Unique, Symmetrical Temple
The Temple of Kom Ombo is a bit unique in Egypt. It is completely symmetrical, split down the middle, and dedicated to two distinct gods: the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder, depicted as a falcon-headed god), and the local crocodile god, Sobek.
A Temple Split in Two
Columns in the forecourt still retain some of their color, reminding us that these temples - brown and faded now - were once rich and alive with saturated colors
Its location right along a bend in the Nile gives Kom Ombo a stately presence. Witnessing it just as the sun goes down, casting the ancient stone in hues of red and amber, is spectacular.
Because Kom Ombo is a stop on many river cruise itineraries, it’s typically crowded, but still absolutely worth seeing. Columns in the forecourt still retain some of their color, reminding us that these temples - brown and faded now - were once rich and alive with saturated colors.
Kom Ombo really does feel like two temples sharing one body. The complex is divided down the central axis, with the two gods mirrored on either side. On Sobek’s side, walls are covered with depictions of crocodiles, or crocodile-headed men, celebrating the power of the crocodile god and his connection to the Nile. On the Haroeris side, you’ll find more typical scenes of the god Horus portrayed with the head of a falcon.
At night, the entire complex is lit up, casting deep shadows that bring the carvings to life, provide depth to the inscriptions, and lend the place an air of majesty.
Even when it’s busy with cruise ship groups, there are moments when you can step to the side, look up at the columns with their faint traces of color, and imagine what it must have looked like when every surface was painted in bright blues, reds, and golds.
Crocodile Museum
Right next to the temple is a large well, about 50 feet deep, connected to several channels where the cult of Sobek likely raised young crocodiles.
That leads naturally to one of Kom Ombo’s most memorable stops: the small, but fascinating Crocodile Museum. Here, about 20 mummified crocs are on display, the largest of which is nearly 15 feet long.
It’s hard to believe these crocodiles are so old. Part of me thinks these crocs aren’t even real. But maybe that’s just because I’m in de-Nile.
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The Temple of Kom Ombo is a bit unique in Egypt. It is completely symmetrical and dedicated to two gods.