THE KOM OMBO TEMPLE

The Kom Ombo temple is situated on the East bank of the River Nile and is known as a double temple. This is because of its unique double design of halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods. The temple was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty with parts added during the Roman period. Each part of temple is dedicated to a specific god. Among them there is one of the most important – the crocodile god Sobek, associated with fertility and world creation. According to ancient beliefs, Sobek had created the River Nile from his sweat.

There is a Crocodile Museum located near the Kom Ombo temple. Twenty two crocodile mummies are on public display. There are also crocodile eggs, wooden sarcophagi and crocodile fetuses as well. The statues of Sobek bear a human body and the head of crocodile.