The Dayr al-Barsha project started in 2012, but it’s first now that archaeologists noticed this valuable ancient Egyptian text that contains spells and instructions on how to proceed to the Underworld. At that time, there had been no other attempt to map the netherworld, and none of the later netherworld books come close to the detailed depiction of the afterlife. The afterlife was fraught with peril, too, and the dead had to contend with something of a spiritual obstacle course to reach Rostau, the glorious realm of Osiris, god of death. It is a clear precursor to later Netherworld books such as the Amduat and the Book of Gates. In some versions multiple paths are drawn, in others just the two paths winding across the landscape. The Two Ways through the Land of Rostau. The Two Ways refer to two paths which zig zag across a dangerous landscape beset with obstacles and demonic entities towards Rostau – the realm of Osiris. The story contained within the Book of Two Ways is essentially a guide to the underworld. Some guardians sound relatively approachable (e.g. Rostau was tracked from Florida, New York, LA, Paris, London, and Geneva where they suspected Rostau hid the securities in a safe deposit box. At the top right, a sea of fire is depicted as a red horizon line, separated by two curving paths – blue for water and black for land. The longer version shows some signs of having derived from Hermopolis, in part because it does have frequent references to Thoth. The arduous trip to reach Rostau, the markings proclaimed, would be plagued by obstacles of fire, demons, and spirits that she would have to overcome. Cookies that are necessary to enable my site to function. This collection (also known as the “Guide to the Ways of Rostau”) is found on a few coffins from the Middle Egyptian necropolis of Deir el Bersha and is the earliest example of a map of the netherworld. “the sad voiced one”, “he whose face is covered”, and “dog face”) or a bit grumpy (“scowler”, “he whose face is hot”), but others are clearly considered frightening (“he whose face is dreadful”, “monster”, “she of the knife”, “Hippopotamus face, bellowing of power”). The deceased begs an audience with Thoth (CT 1089 and 1092). The Book of Two Ways is a road map. “This one begins with a text encircled by a red line designated as ‘ring of fire,'” Willems said. At least two paths to Rostau existed: one by land, another by sea. This intricate map of the ancient Egyptian underworld may be the first … It is a clear precursor to later Netherworld books such as the Amduat and the Book of Gates. A groundbreaking historical documentation of the secret history of pre-Pharonic Egypt and the race of angels that built it. Here lies the body of Osiris, and any person who looks upon it will never die. ). Both were arduous enough to require a guidebook, the aptly named Book of Two Ways. There will never be a flame against him forever. Rostau is filled with inimical god and demons, some with the heads of scarabs, others holding serpents or lizards. Now the deceased must navigate through two regions separated by a wall of darkness: the first with four gates, the second with three, each with their own guardians (CT 1100 – 1110). The ancient Egyptians believed that they wouldn’t instantly find themselves in a heavenly afterlife. Later texts divide the afterlife into hours or caves, or include vignettes depicting specific landmarks or events. "Giza, the earthly Rostau, is located on the west bank of the River Nile. Find the travel option that best suits you. At the end of this journey they meet Osiris who offers them the Eye of Horus. Book of Two Ways is a mystical road map to the ancient Egyptian underworld. ... Read the travel guide. Archaeologists have only ever discovered a handful of versions of the archaic text on tomb walls , papyri, other coffins, and on burial masks ; but this newly identified version was found on two wooden panels written for Middle Kingdom officials. The next section has no images, just text. Roseau (Dominican Creole: Wozo) is the capital and largest city of Dominica, with a population of 14,725 as of 2011. The Book of Two Ways was meant to guide the deceased in their perilous journey to the underworld. “In the engraving, “the pronoun ‘he’ was essential even for female deceased people because they needed to be like Osiris. A Palazon is a Tankazon that uses a Paladin skill as her main attack. The deceased also hopes to reach the Field of Offerings where they will feast with Osiris and their every need will be met. I am the torch and the flame, I am the spear which is in the hand which is stabbed at those who are below. Let us recall that Anubis in Egyptian is "Inpou", "that which has the shape of dog"; he is also known as "The Way Opener" and guide of the souls and is represented under the name of "Upuaout, path opener" at Abydos in the south. This collection (also known as the “Guide to the Ways of Rostau”) is found on a few coffins from the Middle Egyptian necropolis of Deir el Bersha and is the earliest example of a map of the netherworld. •Unlocks the secrets … The texts describe the geographical features such as towns and fields, and detailed versions also have images of the guardians or demons armed with knives and staves (CT 1036 – 1059 for the longer version 1147 to 1170 for the shorter version). Now the deceased must enter the dark and foreboding Rostau (CT1070 – 1079 and 1180 – 1185). According to ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs, after a person died he or she would be judged by Osiris, the god of the afterlife, the underworld, and the dead. The Book of the Dead is one of the more famous titles of a selection of Egyptian texts and spells regarding the journey into the underworld with an elaborate focus on the judgment of the dead souls – the Egyptians believed the deceased’s heart would be weighed against a feather Ma’at (truth). This collection (also known as the “Guide to the Ways of Rostau”) is found on a few coffins from the Middle Egyptian necropolis of Deir el Bersha and is the earliest example of a map of the netherworld. In ancient Egypt , it was maintained that anyone who laid on the body of Osiris would attain immortality. Subsequently, these texts were made ‘permanent’ by engraving them into the wood. The deceased moves through a wide hall, divided into three sections by flaming walls. Despite the importance of Maat, ancient Egypt’s most important religious concept male gods were considered to be responsible for the creation and regeneration. The text’s “Two Ways” are the two routes which a soul can use to navigate the afterlife in the Underworld and to finally enter the realm of Osiris, the Egyptian overlord of the Underworld and high … They must name the ferry-man and various elements of the boat. Written by Jan Bartek – MessageToEagle.com – AncientPages.com Staff Writer, MessageToEagle.com – The stone, a solid pink granite boulder, measures 0.5 x 1.68 x 0.36m and weighs c.670kg. The 'Book of Two Ways' is a precursor to the New Kingdom books of the underworld as well as the 'Book of the Dead', in which descriptions of the routes through the afterlife are a persistent theme. Roseau, Dominica. This collection (also known as the “Guide to the Ways of Rostau”) is found on a few coffins from the Middle Egyptian necropolis of Deir el Bersha and is the earliest example of a map of the netherworld. 230: bigbytes 11-Mar-09 13:53: Re: Guide to the Ways …