Explore the Temple of Isis at Philae, along with the Kiosk of Trajan! This island is actually home to several temples, but the largest is the temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. A large courtyard surrounded by columns marks the entrance. These columns were Roman built, and while the East Colonnade is finished, complete with hieroglyphics, the West Colonnade remains unfinished, with columns devoid of symbols or ornaments. Most of this temple was built relatively recently by Egyptian standards - around 300-250BCE, beginning during the reign of the Ptolemy II. Construction stretched into the early Roman period, which means that you’ll find aspects of both Egyptian and Greco-Roman architecture.

This grand Temple of Isis remained a pilgrimage site and a place of worship for the Cult of Isis long into the beginnings of Christianity. As the Roman Empire embraced Christianity and Constantine outlawed pagan religions, this temple sat just far enough away from the rule of Rome that Isis, goddess of healing, fertility, magic and death, continued to be worshiped here as late as 550 CE. Throughout the following centuries, however, Christians took over the temple and carefully defaced many Egyptian reliefs.

Philae Temple Blog Post