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Kom El Sultan: Ancient Echoes of Abydos

Explore Kom El Sultan in Sohag: An ancient Egyptian site with mud-brick structures, the Osiris Temple, and the only statue of Khufu discovered here.

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Kom El Sultan, near Abydos in Upper Egypt, is a significant archaeological site dating back to the Early Dynastic Period. It features the remains of a massive mud-brick enclosure and the early temple of Osiris, built on the site of an older shrine to the local deity Khenti-Amentiu, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious practices and settlement history.

A brief summary to كوم السلطان

  • طريق الدير, El Balyana, Bani Mansour, Sohag Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the site involves exploring ancient ruins.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun, especially during the summer months.
  • Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the site, as signage may be limited.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there are limited facilities for purchasing refreshments and sun protection on-site.
  • Respect the site's cultural and historical importance by not climbing on the ruins and avoiding littering.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main entrance of the Abydos temple complex, Kom El Sultan is approximately a 20-minute walk north. Follow the well-trodden path leading away from the main temple, keeping the cultivated fields to your left. The site is visible from a distance due to the large mud-brick enclosure. There are no entrance fees for the final approach, as it's an open archaeological area.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from El Balyana or nearby towns to reach Kom El Sultan. A short taxi ride from the Abydos temple to Kom El Sultan will cost approximately 20-30 EGP. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey. The driver can drop you off near the site's entrance.

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Kom El Sultan, situated north of Abydos in the Sohag Governorate, is an area steeped in ancient history, dating back to the Predynastic and Early Dynastic periods of Egypt (circa 3200–2686 BCE). This site began as one of Egypt's earliest mud-brick settlements and evolved into a significant religious and administrative center. The most prominent feature is the substantial mud-brick temenos wall, which encloses approximately 76,800 square meters. The southwest section of the wall remains the most intact, stretching 327 meters with an average thickness of 7 meters. Originally, the name Kom el-Sultan referred only to the enclosed northwestern corner of the temenos, but today it encompasses the entire area within the wall, including the ancient town and temple site of Abydos. Excavations at Kom El Sultan have revealed a long sequence of sacred architecture spanning from the Early Dynastic period through the Late Period. The Osiris temple is recognized as one of the earliest cult centers dedicated to Osiris in Abydos. This temple was built over an earlier sanctuary to Khentyamentiu, a jackal deity of Abydos who was gradually merged with Osiris. Archaeologists like Mariette, Petrie, Adams, and Marlar have all conducted excavations at Kom el-Sultan, uncovering significant artifacts and structures. Notably, the only known statue of Khufu (also known as the Cheops), the pharaoh who built the Great Pyramid, was discovered here. Additionally, a portal temple to Ramesses II has been recently excavated. Despite much of the original settlement being lost to modern construction and cultivation, the site continues to reveal valuable insights into the cult of Osiris, with numerous stelae providing information about religious practices. A path still leads from Kom El Sultan to Umm El Qa'ab, marking the route taken by ancient pilgrims.

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