Not only are the two temples at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world but their removal and reconstruction were historic events also. When the temples (280km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the High Dam, the Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO and launched a world-wide appeal. During the salvage operation, which began in 1964 and continued until 1968, the two temples were dismantled and raised over 60m.