Anthony John Spalinger

The Great Dedicatory Inscription of Ramesses Ii: a Solar-osirian Tractate at Abydos (Culture and History of the Ancient Near East) Anthony John Spalinger

This volume covers, for the first time, the interaction of a major historical event with the development of the Egyptian Solar-Osirian theology. Pharaoh Ramesses II visited the sacred area of Abydos soon after his recognition of power at Luxor in Thebes. With him were many high officials, one of whom would be soon appointed to be the high Priest of Amun at Thebes, Nebwenenef. During his visit, the king stressed his personal relationship with his father, Seti I as well as ordering the completion of his temple. By analyzing certain passages within Ramesses' official account, the "Dedicatory Inscription", with others of Seti, a more nuanced appreciation of the growing theological system of Osirus plus Re, the sun god, comes to the fore. This significance of this is heightened when we remember that the king's account was exhibited in the portico of Seti I's temple.