Archaeologists debate whether Osirion is Egypt's oldest structure. Swiss archaeologist Edward Neville worked at Abydos in 1913 under the Egypt Exploration Fund He wrote that the style, size of materials, and complete absence of ornamentation indicate great antiquity He stated the Osirion is contemporaneous with the Pyramid of Chephren (Kafra)
Swiss archaeologist Edward Neville worked at Abydos in 1913 and noted that the Osirion's style, massive materials, and complete absence of ornamentation point to extraordinary antiquity. He believed it contemporaneous with the Pyramid of Chephren and possibly Egypt's most ancient structure. The later Seti temple above was built 25 feet higher and modified into an L-shape to avoid disturbing the buried Osirion below.
Key Facts
- Swiss archaeologist Edward Neville worked at Abydos in 1913 under the Egypt Exploration Fund
- He wrote that the style, size of materials, and complete absence of ornamentation indicate great antiquity
- He stated the Osirion is contemporaneous with the Pyramid of Chephren (Kafra)
- He suggested it could be the most ancient structure in Egypt
- The Seti temple above is 25 feet higher and built 100% in later dynasty style
- Seti's temple was modified to avoid the buried Osirion structure, creating an L-shaped layout
- The Osirion's design does not fit New Kingdom conventions
- Local Egyptians believe the Osirion may date to Scorpion, Narmer, or Menes (First Dynasty Zero)
Related site: Osireion — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Debating the Age of Egypt's Osirion (Raiders of the Past Podcast) by Luke Caverns