Contact Admin. Kom Ombo is notable primarily for its temple, which is known simply as the Temple of Kom Ombo. This temple is unique due to the fact that it is dedicated to two gods — Sobek and Horus. The history of Kom Ombo stretches back to the time of the Pharaohs, when it served as a garrison town close to the southern border of Egypt. During the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, the town retained its function, though its name was changed. The Greeks renamed the town as Omboi, while the Romans referred to it as Ambo.
Kom Ombo is most famous for its magnificent temple which still survives to this day. A painting from the ceiling of the temple at Kom Ombo. The Temple of Kom Ombo was constructed over a course of about years. During the Roman period, some additions to the temple were made as well.
It has been speculated that an older temple from the Middle Kingdom once existed at the site, due to the presence of re-used blocks in the current structure. There is, however, little else to indicate the existence of this older temple. Kom Ombo Temple before restoration. The most striking aspect of the Temple of Kom Ombo is the fact that it was dedicated to two Egyptian gods, Sobek the crocodile-headed god and Horus the falcon-headed god. To further complicate matters, the ancient Egyptians believed that Sobek and Set were allies during the latter conflict with Horus.
After the defeat of Set, his allies changed into crocodiles in order to escape from Horus. In other words, Sobek and Horus were enemies. Nevertheless, both gods are honored at the Temple of Kom Ombo.
The Temple of Kom Ombo may be divided symmetrically into two parts along a main axis. Each half of the temple consisted of a monumental gateway, a hypostyle forecourt which are linked , and an inner sanctuary for the deity.
