The pyramids of Egypt, especially the Great Pyramid of Giza, have captivated human imagination and inquiry for thousands of years. Descriptions and accounts regarding the pyramids date back to ancient times, with some of the oldest writings and depictions coming from various periods and cultures. Here are five notable ancient descriptions of the Egyptian pyramids:
1. Herodotus’ Accounts (5th Century BCE)
The Greek historian Herodotus, often referred to as "The Father of History," provided one of the earliest and most cited descriptions of the pyramids in his work "Histories." Herodotus visited Egypt in the 5th century BCE and documented various aspects of Egyptian civilization, including the construction and significance of the pyramids. However, some details in his accounts, especially regarding the methods of pyramid construction, have been subject to skepticism and debate among historians and archaeologists.
2. The Diary of Merer (c. 4,500 years ago)
The Diary of Merer, discovered in the early 2010s, is one of the oldest and most significant artifacts relating directly to the pyramids. Merer, who was an official involved in the construction of the Great Pyramid, kept a log detailing the transportation of limestone from Tura to Giza. The diary provides crucial insights into the labor and logistics that went into building the monumental structure during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu.
3. Manetho’s Aegyptiaca (3rd Century BCE)
Manetho, an Egyptian priest and historian, wrote "Aegyptiaca" in the 3rd century BCE, which included various aspects of Egyptian history and chronology. His work, even though it survives only in fragments and later references, provides vital information about the dynastic lineage of pharaohs and offers some context about the pyramid builders. Manetho’s writings were extensively used by later historians, including those from the Greco-Roman period.
4. Diodorus Siculus’ Bibliotheca Historica (1st Century BCE)
The work of Diodorus Siculus, a Sicilian historian, “Bibliotheca Historica,” contains descriptions and observations about the Egyptian pyramids. Diodorus provides details about the construction, size, and purpose of the pyramids, though his accounts mix facts with prevalent myths and legends of his time.
5. The Pyramid Texts (c. 2400–2300 BCE)
The Pyramid Texts, discovered in the pyramids of kings at Saqqara, are one of the oldest religious texts in the world. These texts, inscribed on the walls of the inner chambers of the pyramids, don't describe the physical structures of the pyramids themselves but offer invaluable insights into the religious beliefs, practices, and rituals of the ancient Egyptians. The texts contain spells and prayers intended to protect and guide the pharaohs in the afterlife, reflecting the essential purpose behind the construction of these magnificent tombs.
Each of these descriptions and texts offers a window into the understanding, perception, and mythology surrounding the Egyptian pyramids through various historical periods. However, it's crucial to note that, due to the age of these documents and the evolving interpretations of historians and archaeologists, our understanding of the pyramids and their history is continuously developing.
In the video below, we will go through the five oldest descriptions of the Pyramids. Enjoy!
