Abydos

Capital, Cult, Cemetery

Before Saqqara, Abydos was the thriving capital of Egypt’s Upper region. In the history world, it is widely known as a cult centre. Second to none, Abydos retains one of the most famous burial grounds of Ancient Egypt.

From some of the earliest dynasties until the end of the Old Kingdom, Abydos was a cult centre. Originally Khentiamentiu was the local deity. Later, Osiris and Isis became the center of cult attraction. The Great Temple of Osiris stands as proof to this. King Khufu founded the structure, and it was then improved by Pepi I, Mentuhotep I and Senusret I. This stone temple has a massive colonnade façade and beautiful hieroglyphics decorated throughout the inside.

The temple of Seti stands as another interesting and notable piece of architecture. Also referred to as the Great Temple of Abydos, Seti constructed this temple mainly for the adulation of pharaohs before him. A long list of pharaohs is recognized in the temples. Pharaohs such as: Narmer, Akhenaton, Hatshepsut (female), and others. What’s most interesting about this temple is the arcane hieroglyphics appearing above an arch. Most archeologists have interpreted them to be the symbols of a helicopter, submarine, zeppelin, and a glider. What these symbols actually mean still remains a mystery…