Ancient Egyptians - Valley Temple
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The Ancient Egyptian Valley Temple
Learn about the pyramid complexes of ancient Egypt the fast and easy way via the Valley Temple Fact sheets. The Valley Temples were all linked, to the River Nile, sometimes by a canal. They were a site of worship and the starting point of the funeral ceremonies and rituals.

Valley Temple of Sahure at Abusir

Ancient Egypt - Valley Temple Fact Sheet

Fact 1 on the Valley Temple: The main purpose of the Valley Temples was to link the Nile River to the great pyramid complexes of ancient Egypt.

Fact 2 on the Valley Temple: These temples acted as a site of worship, the starting point of the funeral ceremonies,  the entrance point for river borne visitors and they were also the place of funerary and embalming rituals.

Fact 3 on the Valley Temple: The wealth and prosperity of ancient Egypt was due to the bounty of the Nile River but it also served as the major transportation vehicle of the country. People, goods and stone was transported, along the Nile. There was no need for a major road system in ancient Egypt - the ancient Egyptians mode of travel was along the River Nile. 

Fact 4 on the Valley Temple: The pyramid complexes and tombs of the ancient Egyptians were all located on the west side of the River Nile that was considered the place of death and the entry to the Afterlife. East was perceived as a place of beginnings and where most of the major ancient cities were located.

Fact 5 on the Valley Temple: To reach the pyramid complexes and tombs the ancient Egyptians therefore needed to travel along the river Nile. The Valley Temples were  typically connected to the Nile River via a canal and were the landing point of all the visitors.

Fact 6 on the Valley Temple: Harbors, quays, ramps and canals were therefore constructed to accommodate the boats and barges that carried both people and building materials to the entrance to the pyramid sites.

Fact 7 on the Valley Temple: The Valley Temples were connected to great causeways (raised roadways) that served as processional roads to the mortuary temple of the king and his pyramid (see picture below).

Fact 8 on the Valley Temple: They contained many different chambers, some of which were dedicated to gods and goddesses and others that were used in the embalming rituals and purification of the king’s body and the wrapping of the mummy.

Fact 9 on the Valley Temple: When these temples were was used for mortuary preparation, they were called Wabt meaning the "Place of Purification" or Pernefer meaning the "Residence of Beauty".

Fact 10 on the Valley Temple: The ancient Egyptians organised elaborate celebrations and festivals to worship their gods which often included magnificent river processions. Statues of the deities were removed from their temples and placed on gilded ceremonial barques, that were carried on the shoulders of the priests to even bigger river boats. Sometimes statues of other gods and goddesses were added to the procession as different temples were passed. The statues of the 'Visiting gods' would be greeted by statues of the pharaoh at the Valley Temples.

Ancient Egypt - Valley Temple Fact Sheet

Picture showing the reconstruction of the pyramid complex at Giza
Top left: Pyramid of Khafre
Top right: The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops)
Bottom Left: The Tomb of Queen Khentkaus
Bottom right: The Valley Temple of Khafre, above which is the Great Sphinx

Valley Temple
Discover fast, interesting fun facts about the Valley Temple for kids with some amazing, cool and quick information about ancient Egypt and Egyptians. Ideal for children, homework, schools, teachers and kids of all ages! Find fascinating fun facts about the Valley Temple for kids and the history, culture and civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and ancient Egypt. Interesting, fun facts about the Valley Temple for research, schools, students and kids of all ages.

Valley Temple
Learn about the ancient pyramids of Egypt, and the tombs of the pharaohs, the fast and easy way via the Valley Temple Fact sheet.

Valley Temple of Sahure at Abusir

Ancient Egypt - Valley Temple Fact Sheet

Fact 11 on the Valley Temple: The structures were elaborately constructed and beautifully decorated and provided direct access to the causeway that led to the pyramid complex.

Fact 12 on the Valley Temple: The structures often included roof terraces where ceremonies to the sun god were conducted by the priests of Ra.

Fact 13 on the Valley Temple: The above picture  depicts the 'Valley Temple' of Sahure, a king of the 5th Dynasty. Its floor was paved with black basalt, its walls were decorated with hunting scenes featuring the pharaoh and its ceiling was decorated with magnificent golden stars and astrological symbols on a dark blue background.

Fact 14 on the Valley Temple: Eight pink, granite columns with palm-leaf shaped capitals adorned the entrance, which was a portico (porch). The portico was provided direct access to the causeway which was 235 meters (770 feet) long.

Ancient Egypt - Valley Temple Fact Sheet