Abydos: The Holy City of Osiris is a significant archaeological treasure in Egypt, rich in The History of Abydos City. It is home to the royal burial ground from the pre-dynastic era, which has unveiled intriguing connections with Sumeria. Additionally, it houses the Osireion, a mysterious subterranean chamber linked to the Nile, constructed from massive blocks. The architectural style of these blocks is only paralleled by the Valley temple at Giza. Furthermore, the temple of Seti I from the Sixth Dynasty, which undoubtedly originates from an earlier period, was constructed atop this site.

 Location of The Sacred City of Osiris and How to Visit

 

 Location

The Holy City of Osiris is located in the town of Abydos. It was once a sacred city and a necropolis for the earliest Egyptian royalty. Abydos also served as a pilgrimage hub for worshipping Osiris, the god of the afterlife, who was thought to be buried there.

How to Visit

To reach Abydos from Luxor, you can take a private car or a taxi, which will take approximately two and a half hours. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that includes transportation and entrance fees with Sun Pyramids Tours, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience with expert guides who bring Abydos' history to life. Contact us today to plan your journey. You can also combine your visit to Abydos with another nearby temple, such as Dendera or Karnak.

 

Exploring Abydos: Tombs, Temples, and Mysteries Architecture

 

 

1. The Temple of Seti I (1,307-1,291 BC)

Pharaoh Seti I: Creator of Abydos Temple

Seti I, the second king of the 19th Dynasty, was the son of Ramesses I and Queen Sitre. Who Was Pharaoh Seti I? He was a ruler who made peace with the rising Hittites, one of the region's most powerful states. Seti I and his heir, Ramesses II, campaigned against Kadesh. At Karnak, he completed his father's vision by transforming the court between the second and third towers into a grand hypostyle hall. Additionally, he constructed his expansive mortuary complex at Abydos, reflecting his dedication to leaving a lasting legacy.

Seti I’s Temple: The House of Millions of Years

The renowned structure that stands today is often referred to as the Grand Temple of Abydos, also known as [The House of Millions of Years], a title reflecting its purpose as an eternal monument to honor the divine and ensure the enduring legacy of Seti I. The elevated reliefs in this splendid Temple are among the finest in all of Egypt. This Temple boasts a unique design, resembling an inverted "L." It also houses the most comprehensive lists of Kings and Gods.

 

2. The Osireion (Strabo's Well, The Fountain of Abydoss).

A Hidden Legacy That Shaped Seti I’s Temple

When Seti-I initiated the quest for a site for his Temple, he was guided to a spot north of Luxor in the Nile River’s curve. Here, he started excavating the foundation for his Temple. During this process, he stumbled upon the Osireion, the ancient temple of Osiris. Whether he was aware of the Osireion’s existence remains a mystery, but upon encountering this ancient temple in his new temple’s path, he redirected his new temple to the left. Making Seti I's temple the only one in Egypt that takes an ‘L’ turn.

The Mysteries of the Osireion's Ancient Origins

The structure has notable architectural disparities from the temple above and is presumed to be considerably older. (What Is the Osireion?) It resembles the 'Valley Temple' at Giza, also acknowledged as an early-dynasty edifice. Notably, the temple Osireion is consecrated to Osiris, while the 'Valley Temple' at Giza is linked to Isis.

 

As of now, we lack any clues regarding the construction date. However, the design, the magnitude of the materials, and the total lack of ornamentation all suggest a very ancient origin. Architectural Mysteries of the Osireion continue to intrigue scholars and researchers. Until now, the so-called Sphinx Temple at Gizeh has always been regarded as one of Egypt's oldest structures. It is contemporaneous with the pyramid of Chefren. Given its similar composition but much larger materials, the Abydos reservoir exhibits an even more archaic character, and it wouldn't be surprising if this turned out to be Egypt's oldest structure.

 

Who was Dorothy Eady (Omm Sety), and what was her connection to the Abydos Temple?

One of the most fascinating stories about the Abydos Temple is that of Dorothy Eady (1904 – 1981), also recognized as Omm Sety or Om Seti, who was a British custodian of antiques and a folklorist. She served as the guardian of the Abydos Temple of Seti I and worked as a draughtswoman for the Department of Egyptian Antiquities. She gained fame for her conviction that she had been a priestess in ancient Egypt in a past life and for her extensive historical research conducted at Abydos. Her life and contributions have been the focus of numerous articles, TV documentaries, and biographical works.

3. Ramesses II temple

Although smaller and simpler in design, the neighboring temple of Ramesses II boasted a remarkable historical series of scenes on its exterior that celebrated his accomplishments, with the lower parts still intact. The temple's exterior was adorned with depictions of the Battle of Kadesh. A list of pharaohs akin to that of Seti I once stood here; however, the French consul acquired the fragments and sold them to the British Museum. The list's top two rows feature the kings' names, while the third row repeats Ramesses II's throne name.

Discover the Mysteries of Abydos with Sun Pyramids Tours

From the intricately carved reliefs of the Temple of Seti I to the enigmatic Osireion, Abydos offers an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of pharaohs and their eternal connection to the divine. With Sun Pyramids Tours, you can experience the magic of this sacred destination firsthand, guided by experts who bring history to life. Let us take you on an extraordinary adventure to uncover the mysteries of Abydos and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your journey today and step into the world of ancient wonders!

Why do I book with Sun Pyramids Tours?

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