The salvage and reconstruction of the Temple of Nefertari. Abu Simbel, Egypt

"The great temple of Ramses II and the neighboring temple of Nefertari are among the largest and most magnificent monuments of the ancient world. When it was learned that Abu Simbel would be totally submerged once the new lake started to fill behind the dam in 1964, there was an outcry from scholars around the world. Egypt appealed for international help, and many rescue schemes were proposed. Eventually a bold plan was adopted to cut the two temples out of the solid rock and rebuild them directly above their original positions, but clear of the future high water level. The drama of carving up the mountain began in the spring of 1962 and the temples were finally reassembled in their new location in December 1968." [Kamil Jill, 1993: Aswan and Abu Simbel, History and Guide. The American University in Cairo Press]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Institute of Architects, directing the Egyptian portion of the documentary on Ancient Egypt, March 1965 and September 1965.