The Osireion of Abydos - Enter Osiris' Kingdom

The Osireion is an underground structure located within the Great Temple of Abydos in Upper Egypt. It is believed to have been built during the New Kingdom period, around the 16th century BC, and was used for the rites of the god Osiris, who was believed to be buried in the nearby desert.

Osiris was an important god in ancient Egyptian religion, associated with the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility. He was often depicted as a mummified king wearing the Atef crown, holding the crook and flail symbols of kingship, and carrying the symbols of the ankh and was scepter.

According to mythology, Osiris was the son of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut. He was married to his sister, the goddess Isis, and together they had a son named Horus. Osiris was the ruler of the underworld and judge of the dead, and it was believed that he would weigh the heart of the deceased against a feather of truth to determine their fate in the afterlife.

Osiris was also associated with the annual flooding of the Nile River, which was believed to represent his death and resurrection. The story of Osiris' death and resurrection was a central theme in Egyptian mythology and was often depicted in art and literature.

Osiris was widely worshiped throughout ancient Egypt and was particularly popular during the Late and Ptolemaic periods. He was considered to be a benevolent god who could provide fertility, protection, and a successful afterlife for his worshipers. 

It is a massive, subterranean chamber that is accessed through a narrow staircase. The chamber is approximately 25 meters long and 10 meters wide, and it is lined with massive pillars that are believed to represent the spine of Osiris. The pillars are decorated with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, including scenes from the mythology of Osiris and the Egyptian Book of the Dead.

One of the most remarkable features of the Osireion is its construction. The chamber was built entirely out of massive blocks of limestone, some of which weigh up to 100 tons. The blocks were carefully cut and fitted together without the use of mortar, creating a structure that is both massive and precise in its construction.

The purpose of the Osireion is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been used for the rites of the god Osiris, who was associated with the afterlife and resurrection. It is also possible that the chamber was used for the embalming and mummification of important individuals, as there are several chambers within the structure that are believed to have been used for these purposes.