Abydos (Hieroglyphic: "Ab-B-Dju") is a city west of El-Balyana in Sohag and was one of the ancient cities of Upper Egypt. Most archaeologists agree that it was the first capital of Egypt at the end of the Predynastic Period and during the first four dynasties, dating back 5,000 years. It is located between Asyut and Luxor, near Qena. Currently known as El-Araba El-Madfuna (El-Balyana), it lies about 11 kilometers from the Nile. The city contains the Temple of Seti I and the Temple of Ramses II, both distinguished by their prominent ancient Egyptian reliefs. This city was the main center for the worship of the god Osiris. Ancient Egyptians made pilgrimages there to mourn Osiris, the guardian of eternal life and god of the west. The oldest boats in history were discovered in ancient tombs west of the Temple of Seti I, father of Ramses II, founder of the Nineteenth Dynasty, which is famous for naming many of its kings, up to Ramses XI, after its founder.

The Dendera Temple Complex, or Dendera Temple (Demotic: Lunet or Tentera), is a Ptolemaic-Roman temple complex located in the village of Dendera, about 5 km northwest of Qena and 60 km north of Luxor. It is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, still retaining its splendor. The Dendera region was part of the sixth nome (province) of Upper Egypt, south of Abydos, which was known as the Crocodile Nome. The Light of Dendera: The Light of Dendera, depicted on the temple wall and named after it, is the subject of many legends. One such legend claims that the ancient Egyptians possessed lighting technology and discovered electricity. The image shows a lotus flower (newaurus) revealing a snake on the wall, a detail that archaeologists have interpreted differently, as mentioned previously.