Relief of Ramses
The news that the discovery of another 30 odd mummies in the Valley of the Kings comes with very little fanfare. The fact that Egypt over 2000 years ago was the epicentre of technology, mathematics, science arts and culture wandering through the ruins and temples of Luxor, Om Kombo, and numerous others along the Nile river is testament to that.
Ramses II was the most prolific ruler of that millennium and his likeness in statues, reliefs, cenotaphs and even temple walls is for all to see. Sadly, the situation now is not too conducive for tourists to come and visit, although I would gladly revisit this fascinating country to re-examine many things.
With our Tour Mates outside Temple of Nefetary
He lived till the amazing age of 82 (when the life expectancy of people then was a measly 35 years or so around the 2500 BC era !) That fact alone is testament to his strength and vitality. Many Egyptians feel that the temple at Abu Simbel, some 200 km from Aswan (which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1965) was the work of not just humans and there was some 'extraterrestial' knowhow imparted. The magnificent temple was found submerged and the Egyptian authorities rebuilt it brick by brick. The front temple was dedicated to Ramses wife as can be seen in the picture below.
The Temple of Nefatary with 3 visible statues of Ramses and one worn out due to erosion
How could the innermost chambers of this temple where the statue of Ramses II be lit up only 2 times a year ? The anniversary of his birth and the anniversary of his coronation ? This, bear in mind, was built some 4000 odd years ago, and the mathematics of mapping the stars and the Sun to be so accurate even by today's standards is mind boggling.
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