The Development of Royal Funerary Cult at Abydos ― Two Funerary Enclosures from the Reign of Aha

Bestock (archaeology and Egyptology, Brown University) reports here on excavations made at Abydos in the 2004-2005 season. She uncovered two new funerary enclosures from the reign of First Dynasty king, Aha, dating to approximately 3000 BCE. The findings are detailed along with comparisons to earlier and later enclosures. This is the first indication that kings built more than one enclosure near their tombs. She theorizes that the new enclosures were built for people other than the king and that they were intended as sites for funerary cult practices. Graves were discovered nearby, of people and donkeys. Bestock gives a clear account of the finds and their place in the development of funerary practices. The volume is enhanced by a large number of diagrams, maps and color plates. Distributed in North America by The David Brown Book Co. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)