Osiris and Abydos

Posted by Gail Bellenger Sep 24, 2006

To the ancient Egyptians, religion wasn't just something you did one day a week, it was a way of life. There were many gods who were worshipped for various reasons, but during the dynastic period, Osiris took center stage. Osiris protected the dead, once you were deemed worthy, of course, so making offerings to him and celebrating him were excellent ways to assure your place in the after life.

In Upper Egypt, the city of Abydos, was dedicated to Osiris. The city was started in pre-dynastic times, but continued through the dynasties up until the Greeks conquered. The site was believed to be the burial site of Osiris himself, which of course gave it a mystical aspect.

The legend of Osiris is a reflection of the holy trinity. He was killed by his jealous brother and resurrected by his sister/wife, Isis. Isis was impregnated by Osiris in a mystical/magical way and she gave birth to Horus. Since Osiris was, at one time, dead, he could no longer walk among the living. Therefore, he became the ruler of the underworld.

For this reason, the Egyptians paid homage to Osiris for protection in the next life. Abydos was constructed and continued in adoration of the god. There were temples, tombs and chambers that were used for offerings. As fabulous as all of this is, perhaps the most important aspect of Abydos is the Table of Abydos. This list contains the cartouches of all the dynastic kings and has been valuable to archaeologists in reconstructing the pharaonic kings.

Even though Abydos fell into disrepair after the Greeks, it remains one of the most incredible historic sites ever found.