THE TEMPLE OF APADEMAK

In the east of the grand hall, you can see the temple of the Lion, dedicated to the god Apademak, with the lion head. It is a purely local deity that does not exist in Egypt. Although the whole is inspired by Egyptian culture, you can be able to note the details that highlight the bas-reliefs. First of all, elephant procession, frequently represented animals. The presence of griffins, as can be observed in the ruins of Persepolis in Iran, the heir country of the great Persian Empire of the ancient world. Also, the proportions of characters are different from those of their Egyptian counterparts, especially nubiennes queens. They are distinguished by their stéatopygie, that is, their generous butt, a symbol of fertility and beauty, particularly in Africa. Outside on the west wall, you will see here too, as in the grand enclosure, that the bas-reliefs have not been finished. Why? Mystery…

The temple was rebuilt in the 1960 s from the stone blocks surrounding the temple. The reconstituted ceiling is probably identical to the one that was there two thousand years ago.

For the entire site, do not forget the 20 regulatory guinées to give to the ghaffir, the guardian of the site, which will open the door of the temple.