1-277-425 - Art Media/Heritage Images

'Ruins of the Temple of Elephantine', Nubia, Egypt, c1808. Situated in the River Nile on the border of Egypt and Nubia, Elephantine, known to the Ancient Egyptians as Abu or Yebu, was said to be the home of the ram-headed god of the cataracts, Khnum. A temple dedicated to him is said to have been built on the island as early as the 3rd dynasty (27th century BC). A later temple dedicated to the same god was built by Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC. A further temple to Satet, Khnum's female companion was also built on Elephantine Island.