Question 1: The Temple of Philae was dedicated to which Egyptian goddess?
- Isis
- Hathor
- Maat
Answer: Isis
Fact: The Temple of Philae, also known as the Temple of Isis, was mainly devoted to Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess associated with magic, motherhood, healing, and protection. As one of the most venerated deities in Egyptian mythology, Isis had a prominent following, and her temple at Philae emerged as a significant center of worship, particularly during the Greco-Roman period (332 BCE–395 CE).
Question 2: Why was the Temple of Philae relocated from Philae Island to Agilkia Island?
- To protect it from flooding
- To align it with the original orientation of the sun god Ra
- To make it more accessible to tourists
Answer: To protect it from flooding
Fact: In the 1960s, the Temple of Philae was moved to Agilkia Island to protect it from being submerged due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Under UNESCO’s leadership, an international rescue operation carefully relocated the temple, dismantling it stone by stone to ensure the preservation of this ancient monument.
Question 3: Which writing system did ancient Egyptians use for religious texts?
- Hieroglyphs
- Cuneiform
- Latin
Answer: Hieroglyphs
Fact: The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphs to write religious texts, including prayers, hymns, and rituals, which they inscribed on temple walls and papyrus scrolls. Considered the ‘words of the gods,’ this sacred script played a central role in their spiritual and ceremonial practices.