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Moving Abu Simbel. Source: Rare Historical Photos.

The Massive Project to Move Abu Simbel 200 Feet Up a Cliff Face (Video)

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The world is home to many fascinating architectural wonders that have stood the test of time, withstanding natural disasters, wars, and the ravages of time. However, some monuments face a new threat in the modern era: human-made structures. One such case was the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt, which faced destruction due to the construction of the Aswan Dam. To save these temples, experts from over 50 nations put their heads together to find a solution.

The most daunting challenge was the mountain setting of the Abu Simbel temples, which posed a significant obstacle to the rescue team. Several ideas were considered, including building a colossal aquarium and floating the temple to safety, but ultimately, the only practical way was to cut the temples into small sections for the big move. This incredible story of engineering ingenuity and perseverance is a testament to human innovation and the lengths we will go to protect our shared heritage.

Top image: Moving Abu Simbel. Source: Rare Historical Photos.

By Robbie Mitchell

 
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Robbie

I’m a graduate of History and Literature from The University of Manchester in England and a total history geek. Since a young age, I’ve been obsessed with history. The weirder the better. I spend my days working as a freelance... Read More

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