The Dendera temple is one of the most ancient and well-preserved temples in Egypt. It is located about 2.5 kilometers south-east of Dendera, a small town on the west bank of the Nile. The temple complex covers an area of about 40,000 square meters and is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the lady of Dendera. The temple was built over many centuries, from the Middle Kingdom to the Roman period, and features remarkable reliefs, sculptures and astronomical depictions.