Explore
Discover the structures outside the main temple, enclosed by a massive 10-meter thick mudbrick wall.
The Dendera Temple Complex covers 40,000 square meters. The grounds outside the main temple contain historically significant monuments from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
You will find birth houses, a sacred lake, and famous exterior carvings scattered around the main courtyard and rear walls.
10 minsRear exterior wall
This monumental carving sits on the rear exterior wall of the main temple. It depicts Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarion making offerings to the gods. Walk all the way around the outside to the south wall to find it.
15 minsBuilt by Augustus
Emperor Augustus built this structure to celebrate the divine birth of the child god Ihy. Ihy is the son of Hathor and Horus. Look closely at the pillars for detailed carvings of the dwarf god Bes, a protector of women in childbirth.
5-10 minsStaircase access
This large, rectangular stone-lined pool was historically used by priests for ritual purification. It is now empty of water and heavily planted with trees. Use the stone staircase leading down to the bottom for an interesting perspective of the outer walls.
