Abu Simbel Colouring Page

Abu Simbel is a pair of rock-cut temples in southern Egypt, close to the border with Sudan and the waters of Lake Nasser. Ramesses II ordered them in the thirteenth century BCE. The Great Temple is dedicated to powerful gods and to the king's royal image, while the smaller neighbouring temple honours the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari. The Great Temple's facade is famous for four colossal seated figures of Ramesses II, each about 21 metres high. Smaller members of the royal family appear near their feet. Inside, halls, pillars and carved scenes continue deep into the rock. The monument helped proclaim Egyptian power in ancient Nubia, but it was also a carefully planned sacred place. Abu Simbel has a remarkable modern rescue story. Construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge many Nubian monuments. During an international UNESCO campaign, engineers cut the temples into more than a thousand large blocks, moved them and rebuilt them inside an artificial cliff. The new location is roughly 64 metres higher and 180 metres inland from the old site. The relocated temples were inaugurated in 1968. Their rescue became an important example of countries working together to protect world heritage. This page places all four giant seated statues across the rock facade so their scale is clear. Colour the sandstone cliff with pale gold, warm cream, peach and light brown. Use a slightly darker ochre in the cracks and around the doorway, but keep broad areas bright. The pharaohs' crowns can carry red, blue and gold accents, while collars may use turquoise, green and yellow. Colour the small figures near the feet with gentle contrasting shades so they remain visible. The desert floor can be sandy tan, the lake blue-green and the simple sun bright yellow or orange. Follow the rounded knees, arms and faces with curved pencil strokes; use wider horizontal strokes across the cliff. Leave little white highlights on noses, shoulders and stone edges to suggest strong sunlight. You may make each statue's details slightly different, but keep their stone colour related. When finished, the four peaceful colossi should remain the most powerful and recognisable part of the scene.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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Choose a favourite colour palette
Add a simple background
Display the finished artwork

Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.