Edfu, also known as Iat-towi or Behdet, is a city in Egypt located on the west bank of the Nile River, between Esna and Aswan. It is renowned for its well-preserved temple dedicated to the god Horus, which is one of the most significant and intact temples from ancient Egypt.
The city of Edfu has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but it rose to prominence during the Ptolemaic period (332–30 BCE). The Edfu Temple, started by Ptolemy III Euergetes around 237 BC and completed under Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos in 57 BC, is one of the last great constructions of the pharaonic era. This temple is an example of the architectural style of the time, combining Greek and Egyptian elements.
Edfu Temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky, war, and protection. The temple complex is:
Edfu's temple was not only a place of worship but also served as a political and economic center. The inscriptions on the walls, written in both hieroglyphic and Demotic scripts, provide insights into the religious practices, festivals, and the role of the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt. The temple's preservation is largely due to the fact that it was buried under sand and silt for centuries, protecting it from the elements and human interference until its excavation in the 19th century.
Today, Edfu is a small town where tourists visit the temple as part of their journey along the Nile. The modern town has developed around the ancient site, with markets, small hotels, and local amenities catering to visitors interested in Egyptology.