Abydos: Egypt's First Pharaohs and the Cult of Osiris (New Aspects of Antiquity)

Abydos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, the burial place of the first kings of Egypt, and a cult center of Osiris, god of the underworld and judge of the dead. Past archaeological finds in Abydos include the oldest surviving boats in the world, the earliest indications of writing in Egypt, and a number of temples and tombs, many of which predate the first pyramids at Saqqara. “O’Connor presents the rich fruits of his long labors in this volume certain to appeal to scholars and Egyptophiles alike.”—KMTThe ancient site of Abydos lies between the towering cliffs of the Egyptian high desert and the lush green floodplain of the Nile. As both the burial place of the first kings of Egypt and a cult center for Osiris, god of the dead, this sacred area has long tantalized archaeologists with incredible finds. With over forty years’ experience of excavation and research at Abydos, David O’Connor is in an unrivaled position to provide the most authoritative and up-to-date account of this unique Egyptian site. Here, for the first time, Professor O’Connor not only explains the complex history of Abydos but also vividly evokes the power that the sacred landscape held for contemporary Egyptians. This beautifully illustrated book will be of interest to anyone who has ever wondered about the origins of one of the greatest civilizations in world history. 15 color, 125 b&w illustrations OConnor presents the rich fruits of his long labors in this volume certain to appeal to scholars and Egyptophiles alike. KMT The ancient site of Abydos lies between the towering cliffs of the Egyptian high desert and the lush green floodplain of the Nile. As both the burial place of the first kings of Egypt and a cult center for Osiris, god of the dead, this sacred area has long tantalized archaeologists with incredible finds. With over forty years experience of excavation and research at Abydos, David OConnor is in an unrivaled position to provide the most authoritative and up-to-date account of this unique Egyptian site. Here, for the first time, Professor OConnor not only explains the complex history of Abydos but also vividly evokes the power that the sacred landscape held for contemporary Egyptians. This beautifully illustrated book will be of interest to anyone who has ever wondered about the origins of one of the greatest civilizations in world history. 15 color, 125 b&w illustrations Abydos Is One Of The Most Important Archaeological Sites In Egypt, The Burial Place Of The First Kings Of Egypt ,and A Cult Center Of Osiris, God Of The Underworld And Judge Of The Dead. Past Archaeological Finds In Abydos Include The Oldest Surviving Boats In The World, The Earliest Indications Of Writing In Egypt, And A Number Of Temples And Tombs, Many Of Which Predate The First Pyramids At Saqqara. The Discovery Of Abydos -- Osiris: Eternal Lord Who Presides In Abydos -- The Temple Of Seti I -- The Rediscovery Of Abydos -- The Expanding Landscape Of The Middle Kingdom -- The Landscape Completed: Abydos In The New Kingdom -- The Climax Of The Osiris Cult -- The Royal Tombs Of Abydos -- The Mysterious Enclosures Of Abydos -- Boat Graves And Pyramid Origins -- Abydos: Summing-up. By David O'connor. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 210-214) And Index. The discovery of Abydos Osiris - eternal lord who presides in Abydos The temple of Seti I The rediscovery of Abydos The evolution of a sacred landscape The expanding landscape of the Middle Kingdom The landscape completed : Abydos in the New Kingdom The climax of the Osiris cult The royal tombs of Abydos The mysterious enclosures of Abydos Boat graves and pyramid origins Abydos : summing-up.