Abydos Fleet

Solar bark for Sesostris III

A naval force of 12 or 14 imperial vessels dis-secured covered close Abydos, exactly eight miles from the Nile. Every vessel, from 50 to 60 feet long, was encased in a mud-block pine box and pit. They date to the soonest times of Egypt. Shorter, less intricate vessels have been found at SAQQARA and HALWAN. Like the vessel found at the great pyramid of Khufu (Cheops)(, r. 2551–2528 B.C.E.) these boats were a piece of the Mortuary Ceremonies of the early periods. Unearthings at the site give indications that more vessels might be a piece of the necropolis fortunes of Abydos.