The Kom Ombo Temple is a double temple dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Haroeris. It was built by the Ptolemaic dynasty during the Roman invasion, and some renovations were made later under the rule of emperor Trajan. The temple was constructed in an area that used to be a favorite spot for crocodiles to lay under the sun on the Nile shore, hence the dedication to Sobek, the crocodile god. The Egyptian pharaohs linked themselves to the gods to appear as chosen kings by the deities. The temple’s outer hypostyle hall is decorated with lotus floral capitals, sun images, and flying vultures on the roof. The inner hypostyle hall has ten thin columns with engravings of Ptolemy II making offerings to the gods. The small chapels were decorated with unfinished bas-reliefs, and the surviving reliefs of the façade depict an entire process of surgeries and surgery tools. The temple is a main highlight of Aswan attractions and a wonderful stop station for Nile cruises.
