Standing on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank, is the Temple of Kom Ombo, one of the Nile Valley's most beautifully sited temples. Unique in Egypt, it is dedicated to two gods; the local crocodile god Sobek, and Haroeris from har-wer , meaning Horus the Elder. The temple's twin dedication is reflected in its plan: perfectly symmetrical along the main axis of the temple, there are twin entrances, two linked hypostyle halls with carvings of the two gods on either side, and twin sanctuaries.
It is assumed that there were also two priesthoods. The left western side of the temple was dedicated to the god Haroeris, and the right eastern half to Sobek.
Beyond are the shared inner and outer hypostyle halls , each with 10 columns. Inside the outer hypostyle hall, to the left is a finely executed relief showing Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos being presented to Haroeris by Isis and the lion-headed goddess Raettawy, with Thoth looking on. Reliefs in the inner hypostyle hall show Haroeris presenting Ptolemy VIII Euergetes with a curved weapon, representing the sword of victory.
Behind Ptolemy is his sister-wife and coruler Cleopatra II. From here, three antechambers , each with double entrances, lead to the sanctuaries of Sobek and Haroeris. The outer passage , which runs around the temple walls, is unusual. Near the Ptolemaic gateway on the southeast corner of the complex is a small shrine to Hathor, while a small mammisi birth house stands in the southwest corner.
The path out of the complex leads to the new Crocodile Museum. It's well worth a visit for its beautiful collection of mummified crocodiles and ancient carvings, which is well lit and well explained.
