EXPEDITION
REPORT: The Sun Temples of the V Dynasty circa. 2465bc – 2323bc
Alan M Fildes
| 1. Userkaf “Stronghold of Re” | ||
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| The Sun Temples of Userkaf, 1st King of the V Dynasty at Abusir (1991) with the pyramids of Neferirkare, Sahure in the distance. | The Sun Temple of Userkaf showing scattered remains of worked granite from Aswan circa 2504bc – 2496bc. | The ruins of the Userkaf precinct – the mud brick is all that remains of the pedestal that once supported the sacred obelisk. |
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| View toward Abusir from Abu Gurob. Notice the Sun Temple of Userkaf in the foreground, distant pyramids of Sahure, Niuserre, Neferirkare, in the far distance the Step Pyramid. (1992) | ||
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2. Niuserre “Delight of Re” |
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| The Sun Temple of Niuserre the 6th King of the V Dynasty, circa 2445bc -2414bc. The most complete Sun Temple to survive. | Looking South. The alabaster vessels that were used in sacrificial ceremonies and granite feature. The impressive alabaster sacrificial vessels. | Niuserre’s Sun Temple is well worth the effort that is required to get there. |
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| Granite door jambs still in place after 4450 years. Also granite blocks still in situ at the base of the Temple base. | The great Htp Alter. The central feature viewed from the summit of the Sun Temple towards the main entrance. | The East side of the Temple looking North. It is still possible to make out the ground plan. WHAT IS OUT THERE! |
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Painted
relief of bird trappers from the Sun Temple of Niuserre. |
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The Abusir Papyri state there are six Sun Temples at or near Abusir, only two have been discovered to date. The others that are yet to be located: Sahure “Field of Re” Neferirkare “Place of Re’s Pleasure” Raneferef “Re’s Offering Table” Menkauhor “The Horizon of Re” The remaining three Pharaohs of the V Dynasty Shepseskare, Djedkare-Isesi and the last King Unas, it’s believed by many they never embarked upon a Sun Temple building project. One can’t help but wonder what the sands of Abusir and Abu Gurob conceal. |
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