Temple of Seti I

Abydos' great limestone temple, famed for delicate reliefs and the Abydos King List.

The Temple of Seti I is the reason Abydos belongs on an Egypt itinerary. Its limestone halls preserve unusually fine raised reliefs, with Seti I and Ramesses II shown before the gods in carving that feels more intimate than the monumental swagger of Karnak or Abu Simbel.

The temple's plan is unusual, with seven sanctuaries and an L-shaped arrangement that leads you deeper into the complex. Do not rush the painted inner rooms: the colours are still strong in places, and the quality of the carving rewards slow looking.

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The Abydos King List carved inside the temple names 76 pharaohs in sequence, but it leaves out rulers later considered illegitimate or awkward, including Hatshepsut and Akhenaten. It is one of Egyptology's key chronological documents, and also a reminder that ancient history was edited by ancient politicians.

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