Philae Island

After the operation, only the highest point of the ancient island of Philae and the remains of the cofferdam emerge from the lake.

This complex was actually one of the last remaining places where the ancient religion survived after the arrival of Christianity in Egypt, officially closing only in 550 AD.

[7] With the advent of mass tourism to Egypt, Philae became one of the most popular destinations in the country, attracting several thousand visitors every day during the high season.

The hieroglyphic reliefs are being published and analysed by the Philae Temple Text Project (PTTP, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna/University of Leipzig).

[10] Due to the rising water caused by the construction of the two Aswan dams, the island has been submerged since the 1970s, except for its highest point, which protrudes as a cliff.

1856 photo of the Island of Philae (now submerged)
1809 map of the Island of Philae (now submerged), from the Description de l'Égypte
Philae Island in 2019 (seen from Agilkia Island) - submerged except for highest points and remains of cofferdam