Plans to save ancient site: 11-08-2008
A plan is in place to help save an ancient and religiously important site on the western side of the Nile, which is in danger from encroaching development and water damage.
The funeral site of Abydos, said to be the burial place of the god Usiris, has for years been a place of religious and archaeological importance in Egypt.
Egyptologist, Zahi Hawass, explained that after much deliberation, plans had been put in place to protect the area, while compensating local farmers and landowners.
"Abydos is archaeologically rich, and even more important historically than Giza and Luxor," he said.
"It was also a sacred pilgrimage site for Usiris, and almost every king in Ancient Egypt built a cenotaph or a chapel dedicated to the god of the afterlife."
A wall will now be built to surround the site, while 92 encroaching houses will be demolished, with inhabitants compensated with new homes nearby.
Additionally, a high tech visitor centre is to be built on the cultivated triangle in front of one of the site's most important temples, Seti I.
Usiris was the Egyptian god of life, death and fertility and is one of the oldest of the Egyptian gods, with attestations of his name appearing as early as 2,500 BC.
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