Why the
Kom Ombo Temple
is special

Kom Ombo Temple is two temples in one. In the photo above, the left side is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus (the Elder), the right side to the crocodile-headed god Sobek.

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Kom Ombo Temple
tips & insights

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Symmetrical layouts

As you walk from front to back, you'll notice that the entrance, hypostyle halls, and rear sanctuary on Horus' side exactly mirror those of the Sobek's side.

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Unlikely templemates

The two gods that share the building have a conflict issue. Sobek is associated with Seth who had murdered Horus' father the god Osiris and cut him up into pieces.

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History in brief

Kom Ombo was built by Ptolemy pharaohs in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. The Romans (especially Emperor Trajan) later enhanced it. 

Then, over the centuries, earthquakes and stone-stealing contractors left the site in dire ruins. And Nile flood silt deposits and fierce desert sandstorms virtually buried it.

Archaeological excavations took place near the end of the 19th century, but by that time, the temple's grand pylon (ceremonial gateway) was a goner. However, the archaeologists were able to resurrect other parts, especially the stunning entranceway and outer Hypostyle hall.

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Easy day trip

If you are not on a Nile cruise, you can still visit Kom Ombo from Aswan city. It's only one hour by road away.

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How to pronounce

Kom Ombo = come umm-boh
(rhymes with "Colombo").

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Photo by S J Pinkney - CC BY 2.0

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