Amazing Abydos Temple
Abydos
Enjoy a new article and a new adventure with Explore Egypt Tours. This article explores Abydos Temple which is also known as the Temple of Seti I. It is the most important temple in Sohag Governorate and Egypt telling us a lot of stories about the ancient Egyptian civilization.
What is the importance of Abydos city in ancient Egyptian history?
Abydos city now is located in Sohag Governorate, north of Luxor. In ancient Egyptian history, Abydos city had a great position it was the place of pilgrimage whereas ancient Egyptians believed that the god Osiris (God of the Dead and the Underworld) was buried in Abydos.
Abydos is located approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of Luxor. For nearly 2,000 years, Abydos served as Egypt’s primary burial ground, marking the entrance to the underworld and containing Osiris’ head. The city was known as Abdju in ancient Egyptian, which means “the hill of the symbol or reliquary,” referring to a reliquary that housed Osiris’ sacred head.
The 14th century BC Temple of Seti is one of Egypt’s finest monuments, with exquisite decoration; however, Seti’s son, Ramses II, who also built a smaller temple here, finished the façade with less care. The exquisite quality of its bas-reliefs distinguishes Abydos’ Temple of Seti I (open daily 8am-5pm).
The reliefs are among the best works of the New Kingdom, evoking Old Kingdom forms in an artistic revival that mirrored Seti’s political efforts to consolidate the XIX Dynasty and reclaim territories lost under Akhenaten.
As a result of the holiness of that city, kings of the 1st and 2nd dynasties were buried there, as well as many kings built several temples in it.
One of these famous temples besides Abydos temple of Seti I is the temple of Ramesses II. In Ramesses II temple, the mission of the New York University discovered deposits, plaques holding the throne name of king Ramesses II, and the storerooms used for storing provisions and offerings of the temple. In addition, they discovered a complete bull skeleton buried under the temple.
Who is Seti I?
Seti I was a king who ruled during the 19th dynasty, New Kingdom, and Ramesses II’s father.
What is the design of Abydos Temple?
Abydos Temple was built by Seti I and completed by his son Ramesses II.
This temple has a unique design whereas it looks like the letter “L”. The façade of this temple takes the shape of a square-columned façade with 12 massive pillars decorated with several reliefs. In ancient times the temple had 7 gates leading to the 7 chambers, but now there is only one gate open.
The temple had architectural elements built-in ancient Egyptian temples such as the tower and the first two courtyards. The temple still has well-preserved reliefs presenting Seti I, Ramesses II, and Seti II giving offerings for many gods.
What is the importance of Abydos Temple?
This temple distinguishes by its Holy of Holies consisting of 7 chambers dedicated to the major gods in ancient Egyptian methodology who are Ptah, Ra Hor Akhty, Amun-Re, Osiris, Isis, Horus, and king Seti I as a god.
Abydos Temple contains the most important and complete list of Kings in Egypt. It consists of 76 names of Kings who ruled in ancient Egyptian civilization. It starts with King Narmer till King Seti I. King Seti I intended not to mention some rulers such as Queen Hatshepsut and King Akhenaton. This list of Kings is considered an essential reference for archaeologists and researchers.
It is said that this temple has reliefs for tanks and helicopters.
Did the ancient Egyptians know about tanks and helicopters?
Visit Abydos temple to know if this is true or not, our guide will tell you about that. To enjoy this unique adventure with Explore Egypt Tours team, kindly submit on this day tour to Abydos temple.
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