Abydos. Shunet el-Zebib.

- Abydos -
Shunet el-Zebib

To the north-west of the temple of Ramesses II - there are ruins of the ancient rectangle enclosure, built of mudbrick. This place is known as Shunet el-Zebib. It's sides are 133 x 60 meters and it has a double wall around all the enclosed territory.

The construction of Shunet el-Zebib refers to 2750 BC. This building is considered one of the oldest brick buildings in the World. According to Egyptological studies, it was the burial place of King Khasekhemwy, who ruled during the II Dynasty. The height of the walls of Shunet el-Zebib nowadays remained about 11-12 meters.

The Ministry of Antiquities of Egypt, together with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and the Institute of Fine Arts (USA), are carrying out a huge work on the restoration and preservation of Shunet el-Zebib structure. In particular, in order to prevent the collapse of the ancient walls, they have applied modern bricks in its most damaged places.

Working with experts in the field of restoration and architecture, the specialists of the Institute use the same basic principles, materials and construction methods that were supposedly used about 5000 years ago. This is done for the purpose of preserving the condition of the historical monument to make it rise above the Abydos sands through the years and centuries.

<< Back to Abydos

Discuss on Forum >>