Inhabitants of Derr

ANOTHER TEMPLE MOVED

Between 1964 and 1975, the Temple of Derr was moved to a new location along with the Temple of Amada and the Tomb of Pennut, as they would otherwise be flooded thanks to the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Just as in Dakka, Ida Uhse only describes the visit to the temple and writes nothing about the people they have photographed.

“The Rock Temple of Derr lies at the foot of a mountain. The temple has only been partially preserved. In the entrance hall there are three rows of columns, of which only the one farthest back is still intact. At the back of the hall, to the right and left of the entrance to the dark rock cave, are some highly interesting images. You have to bring your own light. On the right you see the king in front of Amon-Re, and before them stands a troop of enemies (Asians), one of whom the king is holding by the hair and beating him with a battle club. A lion is crouching between the king’s feet and it is said that it always accompanied the king, killing his enemies. To the left of this scene you can see two smaller images of kings.

Underneath are a number of the king's daughters and sons. The large image above the sons depicts the king defeating a troop of enemies (Nubians). The god Harmachis stands next to the king, handing him a scythe-shaped sword; the lion is biting down hard on the thigh of one of the Nubians. The next chamber is completely carved into the mountain. In the middle, 6 square columns have been allowed to remain, and on the architrave above them can be seen images of the king before various gods. In the inner sanctum, there are doors to the right and left, which lead to small apartments. On the back wall, there are four sitting figures: Ptah to the left, then Amon-Re, then the king and lastly Harmachis with the head of a sparrowhawk, all en face. Nearby there is a little memorial inscription with an image of the temple.”