The mysterious structure of the Temple Osirieon
The mysterious structure of the Temple Osirieon
A fascinating structure with abundant archaeological evidence the Osireion remains one of the archaeological mysteries that draws debate and analysis Its construction and underground structure constructed of massive granite is larger than many tombs The central pool symbolizing the waters of creation in Egyptian cosmology represents the god Osiris a symbol of the afterlife Considering the depth of the structure access to the fountain is accessible through a large stone vaulted corridor and the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian architecture
The stone wall art by Egyptian priests of the dynasty found in the long entrance to the vaulted corridor referred to by Strabo suggests a particularly mysterious location of the underworld revealing it as the "birthplace of Isis" and its mythological context There is still disagreement about the actual age of the building An entrance tunnel runs along the north and south axis behind the central hall of the Osireion It is 69 meters long and is lined with stone The central hall is constructed of massive stone blocks with a limestone interior lined with sandstone.
The roof is likely made of massive granite beams The striking structure is constructed of solid stone similar to the labyrinth Its depth remains indeterminate with a water depth of at least 10.4 meters and a connection to an underground water source There are 17 small chambers in the walls of the hall. Behind the wall opposite the entrance is a sarcophagus chamber Many researchers believe that Osireion likely dates back to the same era as Seti I who ruled from approximately 1294 BC to approximately 1279 BC.
The underground basin at Osireion has been referred to by modern excavators as Strabo's Well Strabo therefore theorized that Osireion may have been built by Ismandes or Mandes the same builders who built the labyrinth at Havara Osireion was rediscovered by archaeologists Flinders Petrie and Margaret Murray who excavated the site in 1902–1903 The temple was built in the 13th century BC. Many researchers believe that Osireion likely dates back to the same era as Seti I Osireion or Osirion is a monument to Seti I located behind the Temple of Seti I at Abydos
