Osirion predates Seti temple; sandstone dating debated by archaeologists. Early Egyptologists Flinders Petrie and Margaret Murray began excavating the Osirion in 1902 Edward Neville continued their work in 1913 Sandstone was used in early First and Second Dynasty construction and later in New Kingdom
Flinders Petrie and Margaret Murray began excavating the Osirion in 1902-1903, with the site later cleared in 1914. A key dating debate persists: some archaeologists argue sandstone proves New Kingdom construction, while others note sandstone was used in Egypt's earliest dynasties too. The structure's true age remains contested, highlighting how difficult precise dating can be for ancient architecture.
Key Facts
- Early Egyptologists Flinders Petrie and Margaret Murray began excavating the Osirion in 1902
- Edward Neville continued their work in 1913
- Sandstone was used in early First and Second Dynasty construction and later in New Kingdom
- Some archaeologists argue the Osirion must be a later New Kingdom build due to sandstone use
- Others argue sandstone was also used in earliest dynasties, suggesting possible early dating
Related site: Osirion — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Debating the Age of Egypt's Osirion (Raiders of the Past Podcast) by Funny Olde World