Temple of Isis at Philae

The Temple of Isis was erected on Philae Island in the Nile by the Pharoah Nectanebo I (c.370 BCE). Other Gods were worshipped here, such as Hathor. The Romans also continued adding Monuments, including Trajan's Kiosk.
The Temple visible today, was built by the Greek Ptolemies in third century BCE. It has now been moved to Agilkia Island after the Aswan Dam was completed.

The Temple of Isis was built in the Ancient Egyptian style and decorated inside with Hieroglyphs depicting scenes with Osiris and Isis. Both priests and priestesses lived in the temple to conduct daily worship, and take care of Pilgrims.
Despite the Edict of Thessalonica issued by Theodosius in 380 CE, ending the worship of the Ancient Egyptian Religion and the use of Hieroglyphics, the Temple continued with its own priesthood acting as a place of worship and preserving the Hieroglyphic tradition until the time of Justinian (527-565 CE). It was the last Temple of Isis to survive from the Classical World.

Philae is the larger of two islands on the river Nile in Egypt, located just before the First Cataract.
Philae has steep sides and was surrounded by a defensive wall at the top.
Bigeh is the smaller island, and was considered to be the burial place of Osiris. Pilgrims visited the island to see his tomb.

Pilgrims made the journey up the Nile to worship at Philae, throughout the Classical antiquity. After the Ancient Egyptians, came the Greeks, followed by the Romans. The Nubians also came upriver to worship at the Temple.
Philae Island was a tourist destination for Roman Pilgrims to see the Temples on the Roman Grand Tour.
One Roman left Graffiti on the wall of the Temple of Isis at Philae Island that states: ‘I.L. Trebonius Oricula was here’.

There was also a protective garrison on the island, as it was the last defensive frontier with Nubia.
The Island was a warehouse for trade between Egypt and Nubia. The Goods from Nubia were stored here and also at Syene, for onward transfer to Memphis, or in the opposite direction to Meroe in Nubia.

Temple of Isis at Philae (now on Agilkia Island)