The ruins of Philae include many buildings dating back to the Ptolemaic era (332-30 BC), the most prominent of which is the temple started by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-246 BC), which was dedicated to Isis, the mother of Horus, the lord of the kingdom.  A scene in the mammis or birth chamber, where the birth of Horus was celebrated, showing Isis breastfeeding her son Horus in the bush.

 The Temple of Isis is one of the most enduring ancient Egyptian temples;  The temple continued to perform its role until the reign of the Byzantine King Justinian I (527 - 565 AD), who ordered the closure of all pagan temples, where a priest named Asmat-Akhum inscribed the last hieroglyphic text, dating back to the fourth century.