The nineteenth dynasty temple of Seti I lies in the city of Abydos in the upper Nile valley 160km north of Luxor, not far from Sohag. Construction started during the reign of Seti I (1296-1279 BC) and was completed under his successor Ramesses II (1279-1212 BC). The temple is built of limestone and sandstone blocks and has seven sanctuaries dedicated to Seti and several Egyptian gods. Extending over an area of 157 x 59 metres, it has some of the best preserved bas-reliefs among the Egyptian temples of the Upper Nile valley. Some bas-reliefs even still have the original colours.