Hibis Temple

Hibis was built in the sixth and fifth centuries BC, largely under the Persian king Darius I who ruled Egypt as pharaoh, and it is the only substantially preserved temple of that period in the country, which gives it a particular value: it shows Egyptian temple building continuing under foreign rule with the conventions entirely intact, and Darius shown making offerings in full pharaonic dress. The sandstone building has a hypostyle hall, chapels and a sanctuary, with reliefs including an unusual scene of the god Seth in winged form spearing the serpent Apophis. The temple sat in a grove and suffered badly from a rising water table until a long project raised and stabilised the foundations. A processional avenue and a Roman gateway stand in front of it.

Highlights

• Darius I shown as pharaoh - a Persian king in full Egyptian convention.
• The winged Seth relief - an unusual image of the god spearing Apophis.
• The hypostyle hall and sanctuary - a complete temple plan of the period.
• The processional avenue - the approach with its Roman gateway.

When to go

October to April. One to two hours. Mornings for light into the hall. It is very quiet; Kharga sees few visitors and this is the main reason to stop.

Things to know

The temple was closed for many years during the foundation works and access has been intermittent since; confirm it is open. Groundwater damage is visible on the lower walls. Signage is minimal. There is no shade in the enclosure.

Nearby

Bagawat necropolis is a short drive north; Kharga town lies south.