Seti I is one of the lesser-known pharaohs of the New Kingdom Period. However, the Temple of Seti I in Abydos is amongst the most famous temples in Egypt. It is cited by many as the most impressive religious structure still standing in Egypt.
Seti I’s place in history was overshadowed by that of his son, Ramesses II, arguably one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history. Yet, Seti was an important character in his own right. As one of the pharaohs, he restored order in Egypt.He re-established Egyptian control over eastern neighbors, like Syria and the Levant.This followed social unrest caused by Akhenaten’s religious reforms. Seti was also responsible for commissioning the construction of a grand temple in Abydos. Often referred to as the Temple of Seti I or the Great Temple of Abydos.
Exploring Temple of Seti I in Abydos
Approaching the temple complex, the first structure you see is the Great Temple of Seti I. Which, after a certain amount of restoration work, is one of the most complete, unique, and beautiful temples in Egypt. The temple is built of limestone and laid out on three levels. Unlike other Egyptian temples, it is L-shaped rather than rectangular. It incorporates seven great doorways and seven sanctuaries. The temple was dedicated to the major gods Osiris, Isis, Horus, Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah as well as the deified Seti I himself. The construction of the temple was less than fifty years after the end of the Amarna ‘heresy’. When Pharaoh Akhenaten broke with tradition by creating a new religion, capital, and artistic style. Seti’s temple is a clear attempt to revive the old ways.
The temple is entered from the northeast, through a largely destroyed first pylon. Which leads to the ruins of the first and second open courtyards built by Ramesses II. Who is shown in the battle scenes on Ramesses II’s portico and on the southeast wall. These scenes are in the first courtyard and show the Battle of Qadesh. Beyond, originally with seven doorways but now only entered through the central one, is the first hypostyle hall, also completed by Ramses II. Twenty-four papyrus cluster columns, with bud capitals, supported the partly destroyed roof. Reliefs depict the pharaoh making offerings to the gods and preparing the temple building.
Second Hypostyle Hall
The second hypostyle hall also has twenty-four sandstone papyrus columns. It was the last part of the temple decorated by Seti I. He died before the work was completed. At the rear of this second hypostyle hall in a direct line with the seven entrance doorways, are seven sanctuaries. One for each of the seven gods (right to left: Horus, Isis, Osiris, Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and the deified Seti). A sacred bark, holding a sacred statue of each particular god, would have originally stood in each sanctuary. Looking up, the roof of each of the sanctuaries is decorated with stars and the names of Seti I. The scenes on the walls depict ceremonies that took place in these spaces.
Abydos Kings List
The southern wing includes storerooms and chapels for the god Ptah-Sokar and his son, Nefertem. All are accessed from the second hypostyle hall. The most important feature of the southern wing is the “Abydos King List.” Egyptologists consider it one of the most important documents in their field. On this wall, which slopes gently down toward the west, Seti I is shown with the Crown Prince. The prince later became Ramesses II. He is wearing the side-lock of youth. Cartouches of every pharaoh in chronological order follow commencing with the first pharaoh of Egypt, Menes, and continuing to Seti I. There are, however, a few notable revisionist exceptions (such as Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Ay & Tutankhamun). Modern-day scholars have found this list invaluable for dating and identifying tombs all over Egypt.
The Osireion
It was discovered by Flinders Petrie and Margaret A. Murray in 1902 and 1903. It was excavated between 1911 and 1926 by the Egypt Exploration Society. The work was led by E. Naville and Dr. Frankfort.
Thought to resemble an 18th Dynasty Valley of the Kings tomb, it is reached by a 420ft subterranean passage. At the center of its ten-columned burial chamber is a dummy sarcophagus. The chamber lies below Seti’s temple. This chamber is surrounded by water channels to simulate an island. The building was once covered by an artificial mound and surrounded by trees. Seti I built it, but it remained unfinished. During the reign of Merenptah (Ramesses II’s successor) religious scenes and inscriptions were included in some of the rooms.
Ready to Visit Dendera & Abydos Temples?
Join our full-day guided tour from Luxor and discover two of Egypt’s most magnificent, best-preserved temples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built the Temple of Seti I in Abydos?
The temple was commissioned by Pharaoh Seti I of the 19th Dynasty. He died before the work was finished, and his son Ramesses II completed much of the decoration and the outer courtyards.
Which gods was the temple dedicated to?
The temple honors seven deities: Osiris, Isis, Horus, Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, along with Seti I himself, who was worshipped as a deified pharaoh.
Why is the temple’s layout considered unusual?
Unlike most Egyptian temples, which follow a rectangular plan, the Temple of Seti I is L-shaped and contains seven doorways leading to seven separate sanctuaries, one for each associated deity.
What is the Abydos King List?
Found in the temple’s southern wing, the Abydos King List is a carved sequence of royal cartouches tracing Egypt’s rulers from Menes to Seti I. Egyptologists rely on it for dating and identifying dynasties, though it skips a few rulers, such as Hatshepsut and Akhenaten.
What is the Osireion, and can visitors go inside it?
The Osireion is a mysterious underground structure located behind the main temple. Built as a cenotaph for Seti I and long mistaken for the Tomb of Osiris, it is currently closed to the public.
Why is Seti I considered historically significant?
Seti I helped restore stability and royal authority in Egypt after the upheaval caused by Akhenaten’s religious reforms, and he reasserted Egyptian influence over Syria and the Levant. His achievements are often overshadowed by those of his famous son, Ramesses II.