Final answer:
Pharaoh Ramesses II ordered the construction of the Abu Simbel temples to demonstrate his power and honor the gods. The Great Temple is especially notable for its colossal statues and alignment with the sun during specific times of the year.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person who ordered the construction of the temples at Abu Simbel was Pharaoh Ramesses II. He initiated this grand architectural project during his reign in the 13th century BCE. The primary purpose behind the construction was to showcase his power and to honor the gods. The more impressive temple, known as the Great Temple at Abu Simbel, features four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II and was designed to allow sunlight to illuminate the inner sanctuary during specific times of the year.
In historical contexts, these temples not only signified Ramesses II's power but also served as a statement of Egyptian influence in Nubia. The significant engineering efforts put into the structure echo the Pharaoh's ambitions and his will to leave a lasting legacy. The relocation of these temples in 1968 was necessary to prevent them from being submerged due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. It remains one of the most remarkable feats of both ancient and modern engineering.