ABU JIRAB

also spelled Abu Gurab ancient Egyptian site, about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Abu Sir, between Saqqarah and Giza; it is known as the location of two 5th-dynasty (c. 2465-c. 2325 BC) sun temples. The first part of the 5th dynasty is recognized as a period of unusually strong emphasis on the worship of the sun god Re, contemporary inscriptions recording that six sun temples were built. Only those of King Userkaf and King Neuserre, however, have been found and excavated, the latter one being better preserved because it was built entirely of stone. The temple of King Neuserre originally consisted of a large unroofed platform surrounded by storerooms, cult chambers, and an altar. In the rear, resting on a rectangular podium, was a squat obelisk, about 56 feet (18 m) high and perhaps signifying radiating sunbeams. A long, covered passage approached the platform and was decorated with some of the most beautifully sculptured and painted scenes remaining from the Old Kingdom.