Seti I was the second king of the nineteenth dynasty, son of Rameses I. He reigned for 17 years from 1294-1279 BC. Seti I's mortuary temple is in relatively good condition and as well as being built for the ka of Seti, it was also dedicated to his father Rameses I who did not reign long enough to have his own mortuary temple, and to his son Rameses II who finished the building of the temple after his father's death.
The temple was built of white sandstone on the plan of two courtyards, each with their own pylon, a six columned hypostyle hall and a sanctuary. The temple was originally approached by an avenue of sphinxes but only one now remains, on the base of which is inscribed a motif of 9 bows, representing Seti's conquered enemies.
The central part of the temple is dedicated to Seti and the southern part to Rameses I.In the side chapels of the hypostyle hall, Seti is seen making offerings to Amun.
The cartouches of both Seti I and Rameses II are carved on the first pylon. Most of the temple's decoration refers to Seti I but Rameses can also be seen making offerings to the gods in the hypostyle hall.
In the main hall both kings are represented as children being suckled by goddesses, Seti by Hathor and Rameses by Mut.
In the sanctuary there are scenes showing the boat of Amun with its ram headed prow and stern, and Seti offering to the boat in procession.
Behind the temple is a pool, possibly the remains of the sacred lake. There are also the remenants of mud brick houses where the priests would have lived.
Many of the stones from the temple have been used for building in more modern
times but are now being rediscovered and returned to the temple complex.
Near the entrance there are several stele, bearing carvings and inscriptions about Seti I and Rameses I and Rameses II.
