A collaborative archaeological mission between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the University of Würzburg in Germany has revealed the original colors of inscriptions at the Temple of Horus in Edfu for the first time. This significant discovery came to light during a restoration project of the temple’s roof, initiated in 2021 and funded by Germany’s Gerda Henkel Foundation.

The Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sharif Fathy, praised the efforts of the restoration team, especially the Egyptian experts, for their role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage. According to Fathy, the meticulous restoration of the temple’s original inscriptions and vibrant colors is vital in restoring its former glory.

Fathy also emphasized the importance of completing the project before the onset of the winter tourist season, when both local and international visitors are expected to flock to the historic site.

The colors of the inscriptions in the temple of Horus at Edfu are restored.
The colors of the inscriptions in the temple of Horus at Edfu are restored. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the restoration efforts are part of the Ministry’s broader mission to preserve Egypt’s invaluable cultural legacy. The primary focus of this project is to clean the temple walls, restore the inscriptions and engraved scenes, and digitally document them for future studies and publications.

The project also aims to clean and restore the temple’s sanctuaries and inner walls, fix the faded colors, and remove layers of soot accumulated over the centuries.

A particularly exciting discovery during the restoration process was the uncovering of demotic inscriptions—the ancient script used by Egyptian priests—along with traces of gold leaf that once adorned the depictions of royal symbols and divine figures. This golden embellishment was found during the restoration of the roof and walls of the temple’s most sacred sanctuary.

Inscriptions in the temple of Horus at Edfu
Inscriptions in the temple of Horus at Edfu. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Dr. Khaled highlighted that the restoration will greatly enhance the visitor experience by offering a more accurate depiction of the temple’s original state. Furthermore, the project ensures that the temple will be preserved for future generations, contributing to the ongoing study and appreciation of ancient Egyptian culture.

Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Department, explained that the inscriptions on the temple walls suggest that some of the temple structures were once covered in thick layers of gilded copper. While only small holes in the walls hint at the former grandeur of these adornments, the restoration team has uncovered remnants of this gold on the upper walls of the sanctuary dedicated to the sacred boat of Horus.

The supervisor of the project, Ahmed Abdel Nabi, explained the delicate process of cleaning the temple surfaces, removing centuries of bird droppings, dust, and soot. These efforts have allowed the original vibrant colors of the reliefs to become visible once again. The team is currently analyzing these colors and working to restore the temple’s reliefs to their original state.

Interior of the temple of Horus at Edfu
Interior of the temple of Horus at Edfu. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Dr. Martin A. Stadler, the project director and head of the Egyptology Department at the University of Würzburg, noted the discovery of a demotic text written in ink. This text, found in the temple’s most sacred area, details the entry of priests into the sanctuary, a rare find given that such personal writings were typically placed outside of the temple’s main chambers.

The Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient monuments, continues to offer invaluable insights into the language, mythology, and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians.

Construction on the temple began under Ptolemy III and was completed during the reign of Ptolemy XII, making it the second-largest temple from the Pharaonic era. The restoration of the original colors, combined with the temple’s stunning architecture, enhances its significance as a cultural treasure and an awe-inspiring destination for visitors worldwide.



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