A sad sight

The winter sunlight was subtle and kind to the 3,500 year old stones, which were once part of the great Pylon of the Rameses Mortuary Temple.

I remember when I first visited the Temple. We climbed to the top of the pylon, though a chamber, wriggling through at the smallest point to reach through to the other side, somewhat claustrophobic! But the views from the top, were breathtaking.

Only a few months ago, I walked alongside this magnificent entrance, all seemed as it should be, yet today, it is in such a delicate state.

Remarkably it is still standing, but conservationists are currently ensuring this is preserved for the future, by removing each piece of stone one at a time, with a view to rebuild in the future.
To the North of the pylon, you can see the scattered pieces of limestone, once part of the huge jigsaw puzzle that was the entrance to this monumental Temple.

These Temples were built by Pharoahs to be an everlasting testament, where Pharoahs memory would be kept alive after his passing from this world. They succeeded; even after an earthquake in the year 27 Bc, which caused significant damage to the Pylon and other monuments on the West Bank, millions of visitors and explorers have seen these wondrous sights.

I do often wonder how it stood for so long and with such little damage? Yet in the last 5 years, it seems it has almost collapsed?