Final answer:
The Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel is an Egyptian temple built by Pharaoh Ramses II during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. It is famous for its grandiose architecture and the phenomeon where sunlight illuminates the sanctuary twice a year.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel is an Egyptian temple located in Abu Simbel. It was constructed during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, approximately around 1250 BCE, under the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The temple, carved into a mountainside, is renowned for its four colossal seated statues of Ramses II and for the engineering marvel that allows sunlight to illuminate the inner sanctuary twice a year. A significant architectural change during the New Kingdom era was the move away from pyramid constructions to creating lavish and monumental temples like the ones at Karnak and Abu Simbel, epitomizing the greatness of the pharaohs and their divine connections. The Temple of Ramses II was later relocated in 1968 to prevent it from flooding due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, showcasing the international efforts made to preserve this historic site.