The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-22
Following Clue Derived From
HierOEIyphic Lines.

(From the Egyptian Gazette)
The excavations now being carried on
at Abousir (anciently called Busiris &C
cording to Pliny), under the supervision
of Herr Schafer and DR.. Borchardt, have
led to a discovery of a unique kind. The
attention of these explorers was first at
tracted to the spot by hierogiyphic IN
scription in the Berlin Museum, which
contained reference to an obelisk and
temple situated. as they judged, in this
locality. They We're fortunate enough at
the commencement of their operations to
strike the right place and find their
anticipations confirmed. Their labors
have brought to light the ruins of an
| obelisk and temple of the fifth dynasty,
both standing in courtyard of consid-
cradle extent. The temple was dedicated
to Ra. the Sun god and was probably
erected by SesheD-ab-Ra, King of the
fifth dynasty. whose cartouche is found
on a fragment of the ruins. The King
himself is said to have been buried in one
of the neighboring pyramids.
This temple is at present the only one
of its kind known, and little is left OF II
but ruins. and there Is some evidence to
show that it was destroyed IN very an
cient times, probably for other building
purposes. A pot of gold and silver coins
of Philip and Alexander. which was dis
covered hidden among the debris, points
to the conclusion that at the commence
ment of the Ptolemaic period the ruins
were even then buried in the sand. There
Is. however, much to interest an Egyp-
tologist The dominating feature must
have been the obelisk, of which the core
of the lower masonry, or pedestal. is al
most all that remains. One or two cas-
ing stones are still in their original posi-
tions. which shows that the ground course
was of red granite, the upper of white
limestone. on the east side of the obeliSk
massive alabaster altar has been found
in stu almost In perfect condition. The
centre block is very massive circle, set
in large square with a step leading up
to it. At the end of the courtyard. on the
northeast side, are nine large basins,
nearly perfect, of the same material as
the altar. Holes in the bottom were evil
IDENTIFY for carrying OFF blood or water;
in their brims smaller holes have been
drilled, the use of which can only be con-
iectured, being possibly for illuminations
on ceremonial occasions. Seven more ba-
sins similar to these have been found, but
they are of limestone, under the obelisk
on the northern side. OF these one ap-
pears to be in stu, and the rest. though
they have been shifted, were no doubt
ranged beside il. Parts of the old lime
stone pavement remain. and on the por-
tion that lies between the obelisk and ala
baster basins shallow grooves have been
cut with a slope toward the latter, seem
ingly intended intended as cutters to car
ry off water or blood from the altar
The temple and Obelisk are surrounded
by a high, square wall of limestone, on
the southeast side of which an inner pas
sage ran round from the entrance to the
south side of the Obelisk. Here il turns at
right angles and leads apparently be-
meath the obelisk. At this point the ex-
plorers are now AT work, and some inter-
esting discovery may await them. Ruins
of row of chambers are to be seen on the
northeast side of the courtyard. probably
intended for storing the sacred vessels
and other garniture~ of the temple. A
STEELE has just been found. 1t is much brok
en- and of granite. but without any in
scription or catouche; but that was not an
uncommon thing in the fourth or fifth
dynasty. Two were found close to the Ply
ramid of Medium. but no Inscriptions are
on them. A large number OF fine friezes
have been found among the ruins, which
have been distributed between the muse
ums of Ghizeh and Berlin. Beyond the
temple enclosure are traces of a town and
a smaller temple. but these have not yet
been investigated. Outside the temple wall.
and lying close beside 1t. is another unique
tind-that of large sacred boat made of
mud bricks. II has not been entirely dug
out, and the meaning of its being there is
not yet known. II may have something
to do with the Egyptian doctrine of the
body after death being conveyed in the sa-
cred boat to the other world. as We often
see pictured on the walls of temples.