TEMPLE OF WADY DABOD, NUBIA. 
On ascending the Nile above Philaa the ruins of the Temple of Wady Dabod are 
the first that present themselves to the traveller. This, like most of the Nubian 
temples, was never completed. The two outer columns are left rough as they were 
hewn, and offer evidence of the practice of the Egyptian sculptors to cut the 
hieroglyphics after the columns were erected. 
The Temple of Dabod appears to have been built by an Ethiopian monarch 
who succeeded Ergamun, the contemporary of Ptolemy Philadelphus. It was dedicated 
to Isis. Augustus and Tiberius added, though they left unfinished, most of its 
sculptured enrichments. The principal building is a portico having four columns 
in front, with screens that intervene, except at the entrance between the centre 
columns; this led to a central and two lateral chambers, and by a flight of steps 
to two others above them: there was another chamber immediately over the adytum. 
A wing Avas added, at a later period, on one side of the portico. In the adytum, 
which is plain and unsculptured, Wilkinson states that there are two monoliths 
bearing the names of Physcon and Cleopatra, but Roberts says one has been removed, 
and describes that which remains as a shrine of red granite, simple and beautiful 
in design, flanked by two columns with lotus-headed capitals of an early period, 
and having an entablature with a Avinged Hebe, and sculpture of Nilus tying the 
sacred ligatures. 
The approach to the Temple of Wady Dabod from the river was by steps to 
a stone quay, and thence through three pylons at short distances from each other, 
as represented in the background to the Group (in this work) of Abyssinian Slaves 
at Korti. The first pylon is the entrance to the Avail of circuit, Avhich incloses the 
other pylons and the Temple. 
Roberts’s Journal. 
Wilkinson’s Egypt. 
