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October 30, 2026

Twice a year, a golden sunbeam illuminates a 3,000-year-old Egyptian temple

By HAMZA FAHMY and MOHAMMED SALAH
Associated Press

iStock image
Twice a year, the sun illuminates the statues of Ramesses II and two gods inside the Great Temple of Ramses II. This event marks the pharaoh's ascension and birthday.

ABU SIMBEL, Egypt — Hundreds of tourists from around the world and locals gathered at dawn Thursday at a temple in southern Egypt, with some sleeping outside it overnight to witness a solar phenomenon that has taken place here for millennia.


 
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