Dakhla Oasis - Monastery of the Stone Deir el-Hagar

Some 6mi/10km southwest of El-Qasr is the Deir el-Hagar ("Monastery of the Stone"), the sand covered remains of a large Egyptian temple of the Roman Imperial period (First C. A.D.) dedicated to Amun, Mut and Khons which was later occupied by Coptic monks. Surrounded by a strong brick wall (77yd/70m by 43yd/39m), it followed the classic pattern, with a pylon followed by a pillared court and a hypostyle hall with a vestibule and sanctuary. The Roman Emperors Vespasian, Titus, Domitian and Nero are mentioned in inscriptions. There are fine reliefs of religious rituals and sacrifices. Near the remains are hot sulfur springs (108° F/42° C), with structures which appear to be of Roman date. In the surrounding area are numerous other ancient remains buried under the sand.