Members-Only Virtual Lecture: Recent Discoveries at the Temple of Ramesses II in Abydos

Lecture Information

Plan of the precinct of the temple of Ramesses II in Abydos

This lecture presents the results of clearing the entire precinct of the temple of Ramesses II in Abydos and other recent nearby excavations. The data revealed that the precinct was occupied almost continuously from the thirteenth century BC- when it was constructed – until the eighth century AD. This extensive occupation timeline, spanning approximately two millennia is characterized by intermittent brief periods of partial abandonment and reoccupation.

The presentation will review the rich multifaceted abundant material recovered from the precinct and a brief description of the restoration initiatives.

Outside the precinct, the excavations revealed two new insights casting light on our understanding of the ancient Abydos landscape. The first is to the northeast, a mysterious massive Late Old Kingdom/FIP mud brick wall that extends under the foundation of the temple’s first pylon, and continues northward where it contains a stone gateway. The second is to the west of the temple precinct, a cluster of unexpected sixteen vaulted mud brick private tombs dated to the reign of Tuthmosis III constructed in an intriguing architectural layout.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Iskander is currently a Research Associate at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, and since 2008 has been the co-director of the New York University Expedition to the Temple of Ramses II Project in Abydos.

He is the co-author of three books (along with Dr. Ogden Goelet) entitled The Temple of Ramesses II in Abydos Volumes 1, 2 and 3 (2015, 2021, and 2022), and currently is in the process of publishing the fourth volume about the recent excavations of the temple precinct.

Dr. Sameh Iskander received his PhD in Ancient Egyptian History and Culture focusing on the reign of Merenptah from the New York University in 2002.

His main research and publications are primarily concerned with the archeology and history of the ancient Egyptian Ramesside Period. More recently, he has also focused on the history and archeology of the ancient Egyptian settlements during the Late Old Kingdom and First Intermediate Period.

Dr. Iskander is also a civil engineer, with a BS from Cairo University, Egypt and MS in engineering from the New York University-Polytechnic Institute.

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