Umm el-Qa'ab

The burial site contains a complex network of chambers and tombs spread across two distinct sections: Cemetery U from Predynastic times and Cemetery B from Early Dynastic periods.

Between 3800 BC and 2650 BC, Egyptian rulers of the First Dynasty and two kings from the Second Dynasty selected this location for their final resting places.

The tomb of Pharaoh Djer later transformed into a sacred space dedicated to Osiris, marking the evolution from royal burial ground to religious pilgrimage destination.

Archaeological excavations at the site revealed numerous artifacts, including bone tags with early hieroglyphic inscriptions and ceramic vessels that gave the site its name.

Tomb U-j contains the earliest known examples of Egyptian writing, preserved on small bone labels that indicate trade connections with Lower Egypt.

Part of: Abydos

GPS coordinates: 26.17491,31.90786

Latest update: May 11, 2025 20:17