Fodor's Expert Review Deir al-Hagar

Shifting sands played no small role in preserving this small sandstone temple, which was commissioned by the Roman emperor Nero and continued under Vespasian, Domitian, and Titus. A sand dune consumed the temple in antiquity, collapsing its roof but preserving its hypostyle hall and sanctuary for posterity. The temple is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Its interior shows images of Roman rulers in pharaonic guise making offerings to the gods. The inscriptions are in good condition, and some still retain their color. The mud-brick ruins of an early Christian monastery surrounding the temple have remains of frescoes.