A few hundred yards to the west of the temple the so called 'tomb of Wesir' is located (Gr: the Osireion). A long, dark corridor leads into it. This was built long before Seti I´s temple and there are some archaeological indications that the structure might have been used for rites in connection with the rebirth of Wesir. Excavations on the south side passage, revealed funerary texts from The Book of the Gates and The Book of What is in the Duat, which depict the dangers of the Underworld which the deceased have to overcome on his journey to the Hall of Ma'at; the serpent Apep, lakes of pitch and fire and gates guarded by dangerous monsters.
Off the central hall, there is a large chamber, its walls and ceiling covered with slabs of pink granite. Ten pillars made from the
same granite holds up the roof. It was build, like other temples, to endure for eternity.
The original entrance is situated on the west side, formed by a long canal, which nowadays is closed up by sand. On the east side is another entrance which leads to Seti I ´s tempel. The structure is flooded by Nile water, now as in the ancient days, and accumulating sand, which make the structure inaccessible.
It was Seti I who began constructing the 'Osireion' and it fell upon his grandson, Merneptah to complete it. Even though it is a complete tomb structure, prepared for the burail of a king, it seems to have been used as a cenotaph - a monument and the ody placed elsewhere. This was rather usual that kings made such arrangements.
|
