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Great Aten Temple: Akhenaten's Monotheistic Vision

Explore the ruins of Akhenaten's Great Aten Temple in Al Minya Desert, a window into ancient Egypt's religious revolution.

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The Great Aten Temple in Al Minya Desert stands as a testament to Pharaoh Akhenaten's revolutionary religious beliefs, dedicated to the sun disc Aten. Explore the ruins of this once-grand structure and immerse yourself in the unique architecture and serene desert landscape.

A brief summary to Great Aten Temple

  • MV2X+844, Al Minya Desert, Tall Bani Omran, Minya Governorate, EG
  • +209192005555

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the beautiful lighting for photography.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities nearby.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the temple's history and significance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and exploring the temple grounds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Al Minya city, take a microbus or shared taxi heading to Tall Bani Omran from the main bus station. The ride should take around 45 minutes. Once in Tall Bani Omran, you might need to walk or take a local taxi to reach the Great Aten Temple, approximately 10 km from the town center. Microbus fare is approximately 5-10 EGP. A local taxi from Tall Bani Omran to the temple may cost around 50-100 EGP, negotiate the fare beforehand.

  • Taxi

    Hire a taxi directly from Al Minya to the Great Aten Temple. Negotiate the fare beforehand and agree on the waiting time. Expect to pay around 300-400 EGP for a round trip. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

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Discover more about Great Aten Temple

Located in the Al Minya Desert, the Great Aten Temple offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization and spirituality. Built by Pharaoh Akhenaten (c. 1353–1336 BCE) in his city of Akhetaten (modern el-Amarna), the temple served as the main place of worship for the Aten, the sun disk. Akhenaten's establishment of a new religious cult dedicated to Aten marked a unique period in ancient Egyptian history. The Great Aten Temple, also known as the 'House of the Aten' (pr-Jtn), was the largest and most significant of Akhenaten's temples. The temple complex was vast, measuring 800 x 300 meters, and included two main structures: the Long Temple and the Sanctuary. The temple's design and layout were unique, reflecting the religious transition from traditional polytheism to the worship of a single deity. The walls were constructed of mud-brick, with stones used for columns and doorways. After Akhenaten's death, Atenism was rejected, and the city and temple were destroyed. The temple was dismantled, covered in sand, and paved over. Today, the site consists of ruins, including intricately carved stones and vast courtyards. Visitors can explore the remains and connect with the spiritual and historical significance of this sacred place. The surrounding desert landscape adds to the mystical allure of the site.

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