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Funerary texts in ancient Egyptian

  • Books of BreathingThe earliest known copy of the Books of Breathing dates to circa 350 BC. This artifact emerged during a time when Egypt was transitioning from native rule to…
  • Ancient Egyptian funerary textsThe Pyramid Texts appeared inside the pyramids of kings during the Old Kingdom. These religious documents were initially reserved for the king only.
  • Book of CavernsThe Book of Caverns emerged during the 13th century BC within the Ramesside Period. This ancient Egyptian underworld text first appeared on the left hand…
  • AmduatThe Amduat emerged during the New Kingdom of Egypt, a period spanning from approximately 1550 to 1070 BCE. This funerary text carved into tomb walls differed…
  • Book of GatesFrench Egyptologist Gaston Maspero assigned the title Livre des Portes to an ancient Egyptian funerary text that Egyptians never named themselves.
  • Pyramid TextsFrench archaeologist Gaston Maspero arrived in Egypt during 1880 to begin his work. He chose a site in South Saqqara that had been mapped by Karl Richard…
  • Coffin TextsThe Coffin Texts emerged around 2100 BCE during the First Intermediate Period. This era marked a shift from exclusive royal access to afterlife spells for…
  • Book of the DeadThe first funerary texts appeared on the walls of King Unas's pyramid around 2400 BC. These Pyramid Texts were carved into stone and reserved exclusively for…