Temple of Seti I

The Temple of Seti I, built by Pharaoh from the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt is cited as the most impressive religious structure still standing in Egypt. Built as a strategic project to reinforce his family’s claim of the Egyptian throne, the Temple of Seti I at Abydos stands with pride to the present day.

With exquisite decoration, the Temple Of Seti I is the main attraction of Abydos. The nearby desert views are spectacular.

Who Built The Temple?

Abydos holds a unique place in the holy landscape of Ancient Egypt. Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, is believed to be buried in the grounds of Abydos. Numerous temples dedicated to Osiris were built in Abydos prior to the tenancy of Seti I, who built new temples on the same grounds.

Structure And Layout Of The Temple

• Temple of Seti I was built mainly of limestone and partly of sandstone. The construction of the Temple began under Seti and was completed by his son Ramesses II. The accomplishments of the kings can be seen on the walls of the temple. You find reliefs portraying Ramesses slaying the Asiatics and worshipping Osiris.
• There was also an Osireion at the back of the temple apart from the main Seti Temple. Numerous extensions were made to the temple by the later pharaohs, in the late Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

Statues And Deities In The Temple

Seti’s temple was dedicated to the Egyptian god Osiris, and consisted of a chapel dedicated to the different forms of the god Osiris, two open courts, two hypostyle halls, a pylon, seven shrines, each to an important Egyptian deity (Horus, Isis, Osiris, Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah) and one to Seti himself, and various chambers in the southern part of the temple.

Historical Importance of the Temple

• Temple of Seti Iplayed a vital role in strengthening Seti and his family’s claim on the royal household. Prior to the reign of Seti’s father, Ramesses I, Seti’s ancestors were merely warriors. Possessing no royal blood in his veins, Seti legitimated his position by constructing temples. Seti’s dedication of his temple to the Egyptian God Osiris and other important Egyptian deities marked the return of the traditional Egyptian life in the valley, thus allowing himself to be seen as a restorer.
• The desire for authority indirectly helped Egypt enhance its cultural history. The Temple of Setileft behind a spectacular monument that holds a list of kings that helped patch holes in the history of Egyptian kingship.

The temple continues to be visited by thousands of visitors every year. Contact Nile Holiday to book your tour to the enigmatic Temple of Seti I.