عبقرية الفراعنة.. كيف فسر العلم تعامد الشمس على وجه الملك رمسيس الثاني

The Genius of the Pharaohs: How Science Explains the Sun's Alignment with Ramses II's Face

A Celestial Alignment of Ancient Knowledge

The world's attention turns to the Abu Simbel temple in southern Egypt, a witness to the remarkable phenomenon of the sun's alignment with the face of King Ramses II within his grand temple. This unique astronomical event, orchestrated by ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago, takes place twice a year, on February 22nd and October 22nd. It lasts only 20 minutes, captivating millions around the globe.

Unraveling the Mystery: Science and the Architects' Vision

Dr. Zahi Hawass, a renowned Egyptian archaeologist, highlights the scientific brilliance of the pharaohs in astronomy, mathematics, and engineering. He emphasizes that the sun's alignment with Ramses II's face was a deliberate design choice by the temple's architect. Ramses II, having elevated himself to the status of a deity, ensured his statue was placed alongside those of the gods within the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

The architect of the Great Pyramid of Giza, Ankhaf, was also a master of engineering, responsible for completing the pyramid of King Khufu and constructing the Sphinx. This magnificent statue, representing the sun rising and setting on the horizon, is aligned with the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre. In the New Kingdom, the Sphinx was known as "Hor Em Akht," meaning "Horus on the Horizon."

A Precise Calculation: Science and the Temple of Abu Simbel

A senior inspector of Abu Simbel antiquities, Ahmed Masoud, explains that the phenomenon occurs due to Earth's rotation around the sun. Twice a year, the sun aligns with a specific point on Earth. The ancient Egyptians, masters of astronomy, understood this principle. They meticulously selected the two days for the alignment and strategically constructed the temple, placing the statue within the sanctum sanctorum, where the sun's rays would strike. The temple itself is carved into the mountain, but the true brilliance of the architects lies in determining the exact distance to carve into the mountain, ensuring the sun's alignment on those two specific days.

Beyond Astronomy: Connecting Science to Ancient Beliefs

Archaeologists have attempted to understand the significance of these dates. One interpretation suggests a link to important milestones in Ramses II's life, his birthday, and coronation. However, a more widely accepted theory points to the connection with ancient Egyptian agriculture, a central aspect of their lives. The February date marks the beginning of the sowing season, and the October date signifies the start of the harvest. This aligns with the cyclical nature of the sun's alignment, reflecting the cyclical nature of agriculture.

A Lasting Legacy: Unveiling the Genius of the Ancients

The sun's alignment with Ramses II's face at Abu Simbel stands as a testament to the ancient Egyptians' advanced understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and engineering. Their knowledge, meticulously interwoven with their beliefs and practices, has created a lasting legacy, leaving us to marvel at their genius.