Faras

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Faras was an important town near Abu Simbel, Egypt, a center of trade and administrative offices, which was founded between 2040-1750 BCE. In the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE) a temple to Hathor of Ibschek was built and it has been suggested that Ibschek was the ancient name of the town. A temple to the Pharaoh Tutankhamun was located there (c. 1333-1323) which measured 81 by 182 feet and sported a hypostyle hall and elaborate portico. Known as Faras or Pharas in most ancient documents, the town rose to prominence between 300-350 BCE and a palace complex was built. This palace, along with the temples and the remains of royal tombs, suggest Faras may have been a provincial capital of the area at this time. According to local tradition around the site which was once Faras, the town was a wonderous beauty of white limestone temples and palaces which shone in the sun like a jewel from miles away.

In the Christian period a bishopric was established at Faras and the remains of six churches in the town have been discovered and excavated (as well as pottery shops which seemed to specialize in Christian-themed crafts). The most important archaelogical find in Faras from the Christian period has been the rock chapel and the town’s cathedral from the Christian Nubian period. The cathedral walls were adorned with paintings of Biblical narratives in intricate detail as well as portaits of famous citizens and leaders.

The town of Faras was flooded by Lake Nasser as part of Egypt’s public works program in 1964 and now rests forever underwater. Before the planned flooding was accomplished, however, a Polish team of archaeologists excavated the site and removed the painted walls of the cathedral as well as many other ancient artifacts (which may now be viewed in museums in Warsaw and Khartoum).

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Competition and Exchange: The Complex Interrelations of Kerma and Pharaonic Egypt

by Paul Joseph De Mola
published on 14 March 2013
The vacillating nature of Ancient Egypt’s associations with the Kingdom of Kerma may be described as one of expansion and contraction; a virtual tug-of-war between rival cultures. Structural changes in Egypt’s administration led to alternating policies with Lower Nubia, whilst the increasing complexity of Kushite culture provided a serious counterweight... [continue reading]
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Timeline

Visual Timeline
  • 2040 BCE - 1750 BCE
    The town of Faras is founded.
  • 1550 BCE - 1070 BCE
    The temple to Hathor of Ibschek built and dedicated.
  • 1333 BCE - 1323 BCE
    The temple to Tutankhamun built and dedicated.
  • 350 BCE - 300 BCE
    Palace complex built during this time of Faras' prominence.
  • c. 150 CE - c. 250 CE
    Christian churches built in Faras, including the ornate Cathedral and the rock church.