The temple of Merenptah is the latest of the West Bank temples to be opened to the public. Although it is in a ruinous condition, it is well worth a visit, as there are a small museum and two storehouses that contain many well-carved or painted blocks, many from the temple of Amenhotep III, which were re-used after that temple collapsed. The main layout of the temple is preserved, and statues and partial statues stand within the temple boundary. The entrance fee is 20LE

Amenhotep III and Thoth are both from lintels from Amenhotep's temple found during the excavations

The top of a replica of the so-called "Israel Stela" - the original is in the Cairo museum. In the text below is the first known reference to Israel as a separate country:- "Israel is devastated, her seed is no more".

Some Egyptologists have used this as evidence that the Exodus must have taken place during the reign of Rameses II, but, as the saying goes, the jury is still out on this subject.

 

 

 

All that remains of two seated statues of Merenptah and, possibly his wife. The restoration of the temple was done by a Swiss expedition and the temple was officially opened in 2003 by President Mubarak - the guardians proudly show you where he stood to make the opening speech!