The Ptolemaic temple of Esna is dedicated to the god Khnum, the ram-headed god, who created men from clay, shaping them on his potter’s wheel.

The temple is buried in the center of the city, in an enormous pit 10 meters below the level of the main street.

The roof is still intact and stands at the level of the foundations of the surrounding houses.

A careful restoration has brought back to light the incredible colors of the columns and the ceiling.