Ancient Egypt
Abydos
Ramesses II built seven temples. The most impressive was the Sun Temple. Built between 1301-1235 BC, it was dedicated to four universal gods: Ptah, Re-Harakhte, Amun-Re, and to Ramesses II himself.
The main temple is 108 feet high and 125 feet wide. The four seated statues are about 65 feet high and were carved from solid rock.
Notice the carving above the doorway behind the four statues. It is of the god Re-Horakhte. He has the sun disk on his head and is wearing the falcon mask of Horus.
On the west bank of the Nile 90 miles north of Luxor is the Temple of Abydos. This is the site where many predynasty rulers are buried.
The temple was built in the area that was believed by the Ancient Egyptians to be the entrance to the netherworld. This is the place where the last piece of Osiris, his head, was believed to have been found by Isis.
Photo courtesy and © 1992 Steven Beikirch, Ancient Egypt One of the most significant monuments in Abydos is that of the Temple of Seti I, which is built to honor Osiris. It was built around 3150 BC, and additions were constructed by his son Ramessess II. On one wall of the temple, Seti I had a list of the Egyptian kings carved. This has been very helpful in determining the order of kings from Menes to Seti.
The ancient temple is one of the oldest structures in Egypt. It consists of solid stones with fine carvings.
The temple of Ramesses II is a small temple that is northwest of the Temple of Osiris. It was built in 1298 BC for Ramesses' spirit. Ramesses wanted to be close to Osiris.
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