News — Dendera Temple

Hathor (also known as Het-Heru) is a goddess from ancient Egyptian mythology, considered one of the most important and versatile deities in the pantheon. She is often depicted as a woman with the head of a cow or sometimes as a lioness-headed figure. Hathor is associated with love, beauty, music, dance, fertility, and motherhood. She was also considered a goddess of joy, celebration, and feminine power. Hathor was often depicted as a nurturing and protective deity, particularly in her role as the divine mother who cared for the deceased in the afterlife. She was sometimes called the "Lady of the West"...

The Dendera Temple complex is located in Dendera, Egypt. It is an ancient site that primarily features the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, who was associated with love, beauty, music, and motherhood in ancient Egyptian religion. The temple is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and is known for its remarkable Greco-Roman architecture. The temple served as a center for the worship of Hathor and was also dedicated to her son, Ihy, and her husband, Horus. The temple complex features a birth house with reliefs on the exterior walls that portray the birth and childhood of...

Egyptian Bes is a deity from ancient Egyptian mythology. He is often depicted as a dwarf with a lion-like mane, sticking out his tongue, and displaying other grotesque features. Bes was considered a protector deity, associated with households, childbirth, and fertility.  Bes was known for his role in warding off evil spirits and protecting people from harm. He was believed to be particularly effective against malevolent forces that might harm children or mothers during childbirth. Many amulets and talismans featuring Bes were used by ancient Egyptians as protective charms. Bes was also associated with music, dance, and joy. He was...

On a recent visit to Egypt, we visited the Hathor Temple in Dendera. On the roof of the temple, there is a small open-air room. The small room was a chapel dedicated to Osiris. When you walk inside it is noticeable that the walls do not have the same highly detailed hieroglyphs as the rest of the temple. However, when you look up you notice something amazing.  On the right side of the ceiling is a large arching Nut drawing. Nut is the goddess of the sky and heavens. On the left side is a relief that is unique to...