Temple of Ptolemy IV

The Temple of Ptolemy IV

The Temple of Ptolemy IV stands to the north side of the village. It was entirely rebuilt during the Ptolemaic period. The plan of the original temple was set by Amenhotep, son of Hapu of the 18th dynasty. The present temple has more of Greek and Coptic style of architecture than of the Pharaoh's . The temple was dedicated to Hathor and Ma'at, two popular gods in the Ramessid period.

The temple consists of a small court and several composite capital columns. It has a central sanctuary with two side chapels. The facade in all of the temple is cut Coptic and Greek graffiti.

A visitor can notice the beauty of the south wall of the temple. In the left of the three chapels is a beautiful portrait of weighing the dead person's heart in the presence of Osiris. The heart is placed on one end of the scale and is balanced by the light feather of Maat, the goddess of the truth. Ancient and modern Egyptians believe that the heart is the center of conscience. The result was reported by Toth. A monster creature called Ammit, eater of the dead, is waiting by the scale to capture those who fail the scale. Ancient Egyptians did not have an equivalent for eternal hell after death in their beliefs. Though they believed in eternal areas in which Re's enemies suffered severe punishments. An excavated great pit that is over 130 ft. deep lies on the north side of the temple. The excavation resulted in 5000 ancient broken pots that were designed with pictures and carved text stories which helped to know how daily life used to be in the ancient village.