Small Aten Temple
Archaeological Site Ancient Amarna temple built during Akhenaten's reign
Located within the Amarna archaeological complex in Minya Governorate, the Small Aten Temple dates to Akhenaten’s reign. Visitors study its foundations and remains of New Kingdom cult architecture.
Small Aten Temple is an archaeological temple complex at the Amarna site in Middle Egypt, in Minya Governorate, associated with the 18th-dynasty pharaoh Akhenaten. It was dedicated to the sun disk Aten and forms part of the religious architecture of the short-lived city of Akhetaten.
Ruins include foundations and column bases that reflect an open-air temple plan focused on direct sunlight and ritual access to the sky. The temple contrasts with other contemporary Egyptian temples by its emphasis on the solar cult and open spaces.
The complex dates to the mid-14th century BCE during Akhenaten’s reign when he established Akhetaten as a new capital and reorganised state religion around the Aten. Subsequent abandonment of the site occurred after Akhenaten’s successors moved the capital back to the Nile valley.
The Small Aten Temple is located at the archaeological site of Amarna (ancient Akhetaten) on the east bank of the Nile in Middle Egypt, roughly between the modern cities of Minya and Beni Suef in Minya Governorate.
- Site context: Part of the archaeological remains at Amarna, the site is associated with the city of Akhetaten and is visited from the modern town of el-Amarna and Minya.
How to Get to Small Aten Temple #
Amarna (Tell el‑Amarna) is about 300 km south of Cairo and is usually reached by road from Minya city; local tourist operators in Minya and Luxor include Amarna in day-trip itineraries.
Tips for Visiting Small Aten Temple #
- Combine a visit with Amarna's other archaeological sites for context - the Small Aten Temple is part of a larger New Kingdom complex.
- Bring a hat and shade: the Middle Egyptian sun is strong and the site has limited shelter.
Best Time to Visit Small Aten Temple #
Best seen in cooler months (late autumn through early spring) to avoid peak desert heat.
Weather & Climate near Small Aten Temple #
Small Aten Temple's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
