Inhabitants of Dakka

MOVING TEMPLES

The Temple of Dakka was moved in 1964, as the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to flood it. The temple of Dakka was moved approximately 4 km, to the same location as Wadi es-Sebua (Valley of the Lions) and the Temple of Maharraqa. During the visit to Dakka, Ida Uhse only describes the temple visits, while all the photographs are of the locals.

On 28 January, Ida Uhse’s birthday, the Hallwyl party takes a tourist boat to Wadi Halfa to look at ruins.

The next day, Ida Uhse writes:
“29th of Jan. Saw the temples of Dakka and Korosko. The former was built by several kings and emperors. The temple building consists of a large pylon and the temple itself, which is dedicated to the god Thoth. Inside the pylons, there are staircases with 93 steps that allow you to get up to the roof. The façade has no inscriptions or images. The façade of the hypostyle hall has two columns with palm tree capitals, which are joined to the walls with a railing. The architrave has remnants of the Greek inaugural script. Between the columns is the magnificent entrance portal. On the side walls are images of the king, the queen, a Nile god and the goddess of the fields and next to them a cow, loaded with offerings. The reliefs on the railing are very damaged. The inside of the temple is decorated with images of Emperor Augustus before various gods. On the left-hand wall, there is an image of the pharaoh handing a palette to the god Thoth.

The back wall of the temple also has several images of Christian saints. The other rooms were decorated with reliefs and paintings depicting images from the lives of kings and gods.”