Abydonian

The first race encountered by the S.G.C., the people of Abydos are simple desert-dwellers whose population numbers in the thousands. During the time Ra ruled the planet he outlawed reading and writing, fearing that the people would learn the truth about the uprising on Earth. With the presence of Ra wiped clean, many Abydonians freely dwell near the Stargate. However, the majority of the civilization exists in a city several kilometers from the pyramid.

The Abydonians bask in a rich and beautiful culture, despite the hazardous desert conditions that often plague them in the form of sandstorms. Through relying on no one else but themselves for thousands of years, they have developed their own way of life through ritualistic feasts and music. Most of their clothing is light, serving to protect them from the harsh heat.

After the death of Ra, believed to be an evil god, the civilization no longer had to mine the valuable ore Naquadah. Many learned English very quickly from Dr. Daniel Jackson, who lived on their world for a year. Their death ceremonies are primitive and include burying the dead in a sheet with sand on either side, which is then slid into the grave as the sheet is lifted by friends and loved ones on either side.

The Abydonians have successfully domesticated the Mastadge, a large, four-legged creature much like a horse or buffalo. Abydonian religion also includes animal worship.