Channel author video

Egypt: Saving the temples on the Nile | DW Documentary

2 years ago / 0 views /Society/ 16+
Description

A timeless treasure, nearly lost forever. Without the UNESCO‘s unprecedented rescue operation, future generations might have only seen the stunning temples of Ramses II and Cleopatra in the pages of history books.

Majestic stone colossi rising from the desert sands, structures like these kept their secrets for generations. For centuries, Abu Simbel, Dendur, Amada and other monuments faced threats from looters, earthquakes, and floods. Ultimately, it was the waters of the Aswan Dam that nearly sealed their fate.

In 1960, then Egyptian President Nasser ordered the dam‘s construction. In order to save the temples of Ramses II and Cleopatra, among others, UNESCO reached out to over 50 countries, and raised $80 million. After receiving multiple proposals to save the structure, it was one from Sweden that proved successful. The plan: dismantling the complex and rebuilding it on higher ground.

Between November 1963 and September 1968, saws were used to cut the two temples into 1,036 blocks, each weighing between seven and 30 tons. Their new location was 64 meters above the old site and 180 meters further inland. After five years of construction, this major undertaking was completed on September 22, 1968. The Nubian temples of Abu Simbel are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

#documentary #Nile #temple #UNESCO #dwdocumentary

______

DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.

Subscribe to:

⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumentary

⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumental

⮞ DW Documentary (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocarabia

⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/dwdoku

⮞ DW Documentary (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/dwdochindi

For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610

Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/

Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

License:
Read More
Comments: 0

Commenting is available only to authorized / login users click below to

Create Account
Loading...
Complaint

If this is your video and it infringes your copyrights, please fill out the form on this page