Dendera

Coordinates: 26°09′59″N 32°39′42″E / 26.166270°N 32.661584°E / 26.166270; 32.661584

Dendera (Arabic: دندرة‎ Dandarah; also spelled Denderah, ancient Iunet,Tentyris or Tentyra) is a small town and former bishopric in Egypt situated on the west bank of the Nile, about 5 kilometres (3 mi) south of Qena, on the opposite side of the river. It is located approximately 60 kilometres (37 mi) north of Luxor and remains a Latin Catholic titular see.

History

At a rather isolated place at the edge of the desert, about 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) south-west of the modern town, lies what Dendera is famous for, a mostly Greco-Roman temple complex known in ancient Egyptian as Iunet or Tantere. The modern Arab town is built on the ancient site of Ta-ynt-netert, which means 'She of the Divine Pillar.' In the Greek era, the town was known as Tentyra. It was once the -modest- capital of the 6th Nome (Pharaonic province) of Upper Egypt, and was also called Nikentori or Nitentori, which means 'willow wood' or 'willow earth'. Some scholars believe the name derives from the sky and fertility goddess Hathor, also associated with the Greek Aphrodite, who was especially worshiped there. The official deity of the city was a crocodile. Crocodiles were also venerated as deities in other Egyptian cities, which gave rise to many quarrels, notably with Ombos.

Dendera (Band)

Dendera is a British metal band from Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Formed in 2009, Dendera comprises of lead singer Ashley Edison, his brother and bassist Bradley Edison, lead guitarists Stephen Main and David Stanton and drummer Andy Finch. As of June 2015 Dendera have two studio albums and one EP.

History

Formed in 2010 by Stephen Main and original guitarist Tony Fuller responding to an advertisement for a lead singer placed by Ashley edison. In 2011, the band hired bassist Bradley Edison and produced their first studio album The Killing Floor which was well received by critics. On the departure of original guitarist Tony Fuller in 2015, David Stanton joined the band; assisting in the production of second album Pillars of Creation. Dendera have had several successful UK tours; touring with bands such as Saxon,Anvil and Queensryche.