Village Temples
Village of the Artisans - The Valleys - The Places
The Temple of Goddess Hathor, constructed by Pharaoh Seti I
What: Temple dedicated to the Goddess Hathor
Where: North of the Village of Deir el Medina
When: Constructed during Pharaoh Seti I’s reign, 1294-1279BC
Who: Built by Pharaoh Seti I and added to be at the very least his son, Pharaoh Ramses II
Why: Created by Pharaoh for the easy access worship of the Villagers in Deir el Medina
Additions to The Temple of Goddess Hathor, constructed by the Pharaonic Ptolemies
What: Adding to the original Temple of Pharaoh Seti I for the worship of the Goddess Hathor and now dedicated as well to the worship of Goddess Ma’at; the deified Amenhotep, the son of Hapu, he was a High Official during Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s reign; and to Architect Imhotep
Who: The additions were commenced by Pharaoh Ptolemy IV, with further extensions being commissioned by Pharaoh Ptolemy VI and Pharaoh Ptolemy XI
When: Started in 3rd Century
Layout: Dual Columned Hypostyle Hall leading into a small Hallway before opening out into 3 Inner Chapels or Sanctuaries
- Hallway: Reliefs of Pharaoh Ptolemy IV making offerings to Goddess Hathor in her animalistic form of a Cow. The Hallway also allows access to the roof of the Temple
- Left doorway/Southern Chapel: Dedicated to God Amun-Sokar-Osiris. The Chapel itself is fairly long and narrow, decorated with scenes depicting the Judgement of the Dead
- Middle doorway/Central Chapel: Dedicated to Goddess Hathor. Reliefs show the Goddess receiving offerings from Pharaoh and other members of the Royal Family
- Right doorway/Northern Chapel: Dedicated to God Amun-Re-Osiris. Decorations show Pharaoh interacting with assorted Deities including God Anubis and Goddess Nephthys
Later: The Temple was converted by the Coptic Christians into a Monastery
The Temple of Amenhotep I and Queen Ahmose Nefertari
What: Temple erected and dedicated to Pharaoh Amenhotep I and his mother, Queen Ahmose Nefertari who laid out and erected the first Village for the Workers at Deir el Medina. It appears that Pharaoh Amenhotep I inherited at the Throne at a young age and so his mother may have co-ruled as Regent with him until he reached a certain age. As such the Temple dedicated to them was worshiped throughout their Reigns and on into the Ramesside and later periods using this Temple and subsequent ones to honour their Mortuary Cult
Where: Terrace above the Ptolemaic Temple of Hathor
Layout: Outer Hall, Inner Hall; red, white and black horizontal lined decorated Pronaos and Shrine
Mortuary Cult: Pharaoh’s Statue was carried from his Temple Home to the Valley of the Kings in one of the many yearly Festivals which called for his Statue to be processed by the Wab priests of his Temple. The only worshippers at these events would have been the occupants of the Village but the Feasts and processions would have been held in high esteem as they recognised the role that Pharaoh and his mother had in placing the Village where it was. For more information about Festivals, click here
The Temple of Amun, erected by Pharaoh Ramses II
Layout: Steps into the Forecourt; north and south benched and columned Outer Hall; Inner Hall; Pronaos; Sanctuary
Where: Northern side of Deir el Medina
Who: Built by Pharaoh Ramses II, to honour God Amun, Goddess Mut and God Khonsu, to learn more about the Theban Triad, click here
