EGYPT will open the temple of Dendara next month following a site management programme, according to antiquity officials. The temple, 60km north of the Upper Egyptian city of Luxor, is a prime example of the type of site management programme now being implemented, which includes safe-zoning around the temple area. The approach to the temple is preceded by a parking facility located on the west side. Tourists then enter a visitor centre where they can view a nine-minute film made by National Geographic. From there, tourists can then walk to the temple; the handicapped may use cars. An early phase of the temple of Dendara dates to the reign of Nectanebo I of Dynasty 30 but the earliest king mentioned in conjunction with the main temple is Ptolemy XII Auletes of the first century BC. The interior of the temple was restored by a group of conservators who removed years of accumulated dirt. Scenes that have disappeared over the years are now visible. The temple was built for the goddess Hathor who used to visit her husband, the god Horus Behdite, at Edfu for fourteen days; the celebrations associated with this sacred marriage formed one of the greatest religious festivals in Ancient Egypt. Recent excavations in front of the temple have uncovered the harbour and a ramp used by the bark of the goddess Hathor. The temple of Dendara is unique for many reasons. It has a wonderful scene of Cleopatra with her son Caesarion. It is also well-known for its Zodiac, which is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Tourists, however, will be able to see a replica of the Zodiac.
