…but when it is, it"s pretty spectacular. This tiny lakeside settlement"s Great Temple of Ramesses II was positioned on the orders of that powerful pharaoh so the inner sanctum (in this picture, that"s the small room at the very back) is lit by the sun only twice a year. On February 22 and October 22 (thought to be Ramesses" coronation and birth dates, respectively), the first light of dawn illuminates the sanctuary and three statues within: one of Ramesses, one of the sun god Ra, and one of the chief god Amun. A fourth statue depicting the underworld figure Ptah is permanently shrouded in shadow.
It s not always sunny in Abu Simbel…
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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A towering view of the Pale Mountains
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Tour de France 2024 begins
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On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
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Rolling hills of the Palouse, Washington
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Looking back at Yellowstone, 30 years after the fires
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National Bison Day
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Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
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Big Bend National Park in Texas turns 81
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Watch your step
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First day of autumn
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In celebration of cats
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A Eurasian red squirrel in Switzerland
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National Dolphin Day
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Protect your neck
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Whangārei Falls in New Zealand
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Victory in Europe, 75 years ago
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A crush in Lavaux
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Gemsbok in Namibian sand dunes
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It s not always sunny in Abu Simbel…
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Remembering the Velvet Revolution
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Siblings Day
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Red deer stag in Glen Affric, Scottish Highlands
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Celebrating migrations
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Yosemite National Park anniversary
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Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
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Summer solstice
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World Parrot Day
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Antarctica Day
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Death Valley National Park, California
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Mid-Autumn Festival
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

