Facts about Kom Ombo temple in Egypt

Perched on the edge of the Nile Between Edfu and Aswan, Kom Ombo Temple is a unique two-temple dating from the Ptolemaic period 180-47 B.C. This is solely dedicated to Sobek, the god of the crocodile, as well as Haroeris Horus the Elder.

The symmetrical twin sanctuaries, as well as the ancient medical reliefs and close crocodile mummified bodies, are a must-visit when on Nile cruises.

It was constructed as a strategically oriented trade hub and a fusion of Egyptian and Roman influences, as well as more recent additions made by the Emperor Trajan.

The visit offers glimpses into Egypt’s rich religious and architectural heritage.

History of Kom Ombo Temple

Kom Ombo Temple was between Nubian trade routes and gold mines in the eastern desert. Later, it became a facility for wild animals employed in the conflict during the time of Ptolemy VII in the fight against the Seleucid empire.

It was constructed during the reign of Ptolemy VII.

The location where the temple was built was once a preferred place for crocodiles to lay in their sun along the Nile shore.

Therefore, it’s natural that the temple is dedicated to the god of crocodiles. Some modifications were later made, including the hypostyle hall, which was built during the reign of Ptolemy, who was seventh 51-47 B.C,

Moreover, under the reign of the emperor Trajan 53-117 A.D, the forecourt and the walls outside were constructed.

Presently, Kom Ombo Aswan is among the most fascinating archaeological sites in Egypt attracted by its unique double design as well as sacred connection with crocodiles.

Components of Kom Ombo Temple

The construction of the Kom Ombo temple is unique and rare in that it comprises two distinct areas that are next to each other but each independent of the other to serve the purpose of worship.

The temple was constructed as a rectangle, using limestone, similar to many temples in Ancient Egypt.

The temple’s architecture is almost perfectly symmetrical and includes two sanctuaries that are twins and two passageways parallel to the outside part of the temple.

3 inner halls, several antichambers similar to the many offering rooms, smaller rooms for various rituals and purposes, and the two principal sanctuaries dedicated to Horus and Sobek.

The Kom ombo temple has beautiful decorations and images on walls and columns, including Ptolemy VIII and XII kneeling before the Nile gods.

The Ptolemaic Dynasty was responsible for improving the temple over time to symbolize their magnificence.

Kom Ombo Temple Egypt is an exceptional example of dual dedication as well as architectural symmetry within ancient temple architecture.

The interior design of kom ombo temple

The hypostyle’s outer hall

The principal feature of the Kom Ombo temple is the hypostyle hall filled with 15 columns decorated with lotus flower capitals and sun pictures.

The base of the columns is decorated with lilies as a symbol of the upper part of Egypt, and papyrus is the symbol of the Nile Delta.

Nevertheless, the roof features flying vultures. Since the people of the day were heavily influenced by religious beliefs, the Egyptian pharaohs embraced the gods to show themselves to their subjects as favored kings of gods.

As a result, we observe Ptolemy XII painted on the inner and outer walls of the temple.He was purified of Horus and honored by Haroeris.

Others depict his offering to the gods of the same religion alongside Sobek, Isis, and the lion-headed god.

There’s a massive round west of the hypostyle hall known as the “sacred wall” that was used to determine how deep the Nile is and the tiny pool used to raise sacred crocodiles.

The hall of hypostyle is the innermost

The hall’s interior is adorned with 10 columns, each with some drawings of Ptolemy II offering offerings to the gods, while his brother is offering offerings to Haroeris at the rear of the hall, too.

The south wall is decorated with Sobek artwork, the southwest corner displays Ptolemy II receiving the victory sword from Haroeris with his sister and wife.

A hieroglyphic listing of temple gods and celebrations is in the back of the doors. Following the hypostyle halls, three vestibules were ornamented with the help of Ptolemy VI.

The first shows Sheshta god in writing making some measurements for the temple’s foundation.

The second one was designed for priests and contained a storage room for sacred manuscripts and papyrus.

The walls also contained several dedications to the god Sobek and offerings to Haroeris.

Discover top 15 Egypt Aswan attractions you can’t miss in 2025

The chapels, as well as the house of birth

The smaller chapels were also decorated but with no completed bas-reliefs. The surviving reliefs of the facade show an entire sequence of operations and instruments used by surgeons, which prove the excellent medical abilities that the early Egyptians possessed.

The chapel of God Hathor is on the temple’s right side, it was built by the Roman Emperor Domitian and is dedicated to Hathor, who the Greeks recognized as Aphrodite, a prehistoric Greek goddess associated with love.

Some mummified moles of crocodiles can be found within the sanctuary.” The “Birth House” is also part of the temple complex, which Ptolemy VIII constructed.

Tours fill up fast — Check our tours in Aswan and reserve before it’s gone!

Temple of kom ombo interesting facts

Double Design

The only temple in Egypt that is double that is dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus falcon god, with symmetrical halls as well as sanctuaries.

Ancient Medical Center

Unique sculptures of surgical instruments suggest it was a place for healing.

Crocodile Mummies

The nearby Crocodile Museum displays mummified sacred crocodiles revered as Sobek’s incarnations.

Roman and Ptolemaic Blend

The Emperor added later additions, Trajan and even an uncommon sculpture of Cleopatra VII.

Read more and Reveal the secret about the unfinished obelisk at aswan

Tours to Kom Ombo Temple with Egypt hero tours

You’ll love this Kom Ombo and Edfu Day trip departing from Luxor through Egypt Hero Tours because:

• A comfortable drop-off and pick-up from and to your desired location within Luxor and Aswan.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle.
• A completely private experience You are able to modify the tour completely to suit your needs and your privacy.
• A knowledgeable guide that provides you with a great opportunity to understand the fascinating background of the.
• It is suitable for all ages or for any gender.
• Discover the magnificent Temple that is Kom Ombo, built in honor of the gods.
• Discover the sacred Edfu’s architectural style and rich history.

Egypt Hero Tours offers trips that include the Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour. Once you want to try this amazing tour seeing the Kom Ombo temple, hurry up and reach out to us anytime.

FAQ for kom ombo temple

Why is the temple of Kom Ombo important?

Kom Ombo is one of a kind in Egypt as a temple that is double—it is dedicated to 2 gods, Sobek and Horus.

If your cruise begins in Aswan, Kom Ombo will be the first stop on your itinerary.

The god worshipped in this temple is Sobek, the crocodile-headed god who has a human body.

When was the Kom Ombo Temple built?

The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple located in the city of Kom Ombo in Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt, it was built in the Ptolemaic Dynasty between 180 and 47 BC.

Is the Kom Ombo Temple worth it?

Sure, Kom Ombo will leave you breathless with its unique architecture that has been woven around every corner.

Kom Ombo in Egypt welcomes visitors with its famous Great Temple of Ptolemy heritage that is unique in the kind, thanks to its two-dimensional design, providing another reason to visit on the Nile.

Who are the gods of Kom Ombo?

The Ptolemies built their temple of kom ombo egypt to worship two gods, Sobek, the god of crocodiles, and Horus, the falcon god.

What does KOM mean in Egypt?

Kom Ombo refers to Gold Heap, the word Kom refers to heaps in Arabic, and the word Ombo is a reference to gold in the old Egyptian language.

Can visitors access all parts of the temple?

The majority part of Egypt Kom Ombo Temple is open to the public, however some parts may be restricted to protect the temple.

Ready to explore? Reserve your Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour tour today