Located about 33 miles south of Esna and at a distance of 65 miles north of Aswan,
Edfu was the ancient Greek city of Apollinopolis Magna and the religious and commercial
center of ancient Egypt. This friendly town of Egypt is one of the leading sugar
producing and pottery regions of Egypt at present.
Situated on the west bank of the Nile River, Edfu's ancient name was Wetjeset-Hrw
or "The Place where Horus is extolled". Edfu lie in the fertile land
formed by the floodplain in Upper Egypt.
The main attraction of Edfu is the Temple of Horus that is considered as the
best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. However no larger remains dated earlier
than 5th century has been found from the Edfu site. The most ancient historical
structure of Edfu was the cemetery comprising the mastabas of the Old kingdom
located in southwest of the great temple of Horus.
Temple of Horus is not only the best-preserved temple of Egypt but also the
largest temple complex after Karnak Temple Complex. There are lots of inscriptions
inscribed on the every surface of the Temple of Horus that act as major source
of information on Egyptian religious ceremonies. Temple of Horus or known by
the name of Temple of Edfu is very dramatic temple site in Egypt. Built in Greco-
Roman period this temple is dedicated to God Horus.
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