Abydos, Egypt – Complete Guide to the Ancient Holy City

Abydos is a city steeped in sacred archeological heritage, recognized as one of the most historically important cities in southern Egypt. Archaeologists suggest that it may have served as the first capital of Egypt during the pre-dynastic period and the rule of the first four dynasties. Often called “The Buried Godmother,” many of Abydos’ ancient treasures were hidden beneath the desert sands, waiting to be discovered.

Situated in the far south of Upper Egypt, Abydos lies on the edge of the desert, roughly 11 kilometers west of the Nile River, near Balyana in Sohag Governorate. In ancient times, it was part of the eighth region of Upper Egypt, with the nearby city of Thini serving as its administrative capital.

The city of Abydos has its roots in the ancient history of Egypt. The city was the first capital of a country in the world, which is the ancient Egyptian state. Egypt witnessed the inauguration of the country’s first capital and first army. It is one of the most important religious centers, as the seat of the worship of Osiris, the god of resurrection, and head of the court of the dead in ancient Egyptian civilization, and the hero of the famous myth associated with good and evil that is still in circulation till our present day known as “Isis and Osiris.”

Abydos, Egypt, includes many monuments, the most important of which is the Temple of Seti I, which is one of the most beautiful ancient Egyptian temples. King Seti began its construction, which was completed by his son Ramses II, whose reign was full of constructions. His period of rule was considered one of the strongest in the history of Egypt.

Abydos history

Abydos held the position of the first capital at the end of the pre-dynastic era and during the rule of the first four dynasties, with a history spanning over five thousand years. It earned the title of “Holy City,” was called “Tennis” by the Greeks, and became widely known as “The Buried Godmother.”

Archaeological excavations uncovered numerous double burials, mainly of kings from the First Dynasty and some from the Second Dynasty. The god Khenti-Amentiu was revered as the protector of the west and guardian of the burial city of Abydos during the Old Kingdom. Over time, worship gradually shifted to the god Osiris, who attained the highest status in ancient Egyptian religion.

According to legend, the god Osiris was killed and his body dismembered, with pieces scattered across Egypt. Abydos claimed the honor of containing his head, believed to be buried in the tomb of Pharaoh Dajr of the First Dynasty. From the early Sixth Dynasty, Abydos, Egypt became a major pilgrimage site, where devout ancient Egyptians sought to be buried near the shrine of the god Osiris, Lord of the Second Life. Those unable to be interred there ensured their remembrance by engraving their names on stelae or placing memorial vessels near the royal tombs to secure a place in the afterlife.

Pharaohs actively supported these rituals, holding ceremonies for the deification of kings and focusing on the decoration and expansion of the Temple of the god Osiris, originally erected by Pepi I of the Sixth Dynasty (2400–2200 BC) in Abydos.

The treasures of Abydos, Egypt

 

The city of Abydos in Egypt was the main center of worship of the god Osiris and a destination for pilgrimage for the ancient Egyptians. There, the oldest boats in history were discovered inside the ancient tombs to the west of the temple of Seti I, the father of Ramses II, the founder of the 19th Egyptian dynasty.

The Temple of Seti I is one of the most important temples in Egypt due to the preservation of many of its inscriptions, which are considered creative paintings, especially around the ceiling. There are seven structures in the temple, and in addition to their unique inscriptions, there is what is called the “List of the Kings of Abydos,” which is a list that includes the names of 76 kings of ancient Egypt, and is an important source for archaeologists to learn about the history and succession of the kings of ancient Egypt. This list is considered one of the most important sources of history, which begins with King Menes (Narmer), the unifier of the two countries, and ends with the name of King Seti I himself.

Behind the “Temple of Seti” is located the “Osirion” building, 18 meters below the floor of the temple. It is considered a unique building of its kind, as it is believed to be a symbolic tomb for King Seti I. It includes inscriptions and scenes depicting the conditions of the “other world.”

The second temple in the area is the Temple of Ramses II, which is located approximately 500 meters north of the Temple of Seti I. Ramses II built it at the beginning of his rule to worship the god Osiris as well. Due to time, the temple lost many of its architectural elements, but before that loss, the temple’s walls were built of limestone, and its columns were made of sandstone.

Despite this, the remaining sectors of the Temple of Ramses II are rich in very precise and beautiful carvings and retain a large amount of their bright colors. Among the most important inscriptions are those that adorn its outer walls and depict the events of the Battle of Kadesh between King Ramses II and the Hittites. As for the surviving inscriptions in the interior sectors of the Temple of Ramses II, they depict scenes of sacrifices and other images of a religious nature.

Located to the northwest of the Temple of Ramses II, the Shunet El Zebib covers an area of 10,000 square meters and was constructed by King Khasekhemwy, a ruler of the Second Dynasty. This monumental structure is considered one of the most significant architectural achievements of the Second Dynasty and is notable for its pioneering use of mud bricks.

On the southern side of Shunet El Zebib, archaeologists have uncovered numerous pottery vessels, believed to have been offerings or sacrifices to the gods. The eastern side features approximately 14 figures of sacred sunboats, dating back to between 2714 and 2687 BC. Nearby lies the archaeological area of Kom El Sultan, which opened to tourists in 2017 and has been compared to the grandeur of the Karnak temples in Luxor, highlighting Abydos’ remarkable historical significance.

The treasures of “Abydos” do not end here, as it also includes the “Umm El Qa’ab” area, located east of the Tombs of the Kings, in which 650 tombs of ancient Egyptians dating back to the pre-dynastic era were found, in addition to the “Falcon Cemetery,” which the ancient Egyptians considered sacred birds.

Conclusion:

Abydos City in Egypt is more than just an ancient city — it’s a living testament to Egypt’s rich spiritual and royal history. From its sacred temples and burial sites to its deep connection with Osiris, Abydos continues to captivate historians, travelers, and spiritual seekers alike. Whether you’re drawn by its archaeological wonders or timeless myths, Abydos is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the soul of ancient Egypt.