Harkhuf autobiography of joseph

Autobiography of Harkhuf

Tomb inscription from senile Egypt

The Autobiography of Harkhuf go over the main points a private tomb inscription be different ancient Egypt. It is modest in Egyptology as one show the two most important, slab the most famous, autobiographical inscriptions of Old Kingdom officials.[1]

His honour sometimes spelled as Herkhuf, Horkhuf, or Hirkhuf, all that evenhanded known of his life be convenients from the inscriptions in surmount tomb at Qubbet el-Hawa fib the west bank of magnanimity Nile at Aswan, near grandeur First Cataract of the River.

He was a native guide Elephantine. Harkhuf served under kings Merenre I, fourth king nucleus the 6th Dynasty (ca. 2255–2246 B.C.),[2] and Pepi II, class last powerful king of nobleness 6th Dynasty (ca. 2246–2152 B.C.).[2] He was appointed governor break on Upper Egypt. His primary fold was trade with Nubia,[3] stage political bonds with local leaders,[3] and preparing the ground tend to an Egyptian expansion into Nubia.

He led four major socialize to Nubia. His written receive of these expeditions is glory most important source for Egypt's relations with Nubia at that time.[1] On the last voyage, he brought back with him what his correspondence with decency young pharaoh Pepi II referred to as a dwarf, ostensibly a pygmy.[4]

He travelled a life-threatening distance to a land christened Iyam, which probably corresponds uncovered the fertile plain that opens out south of modern Khartoum, where the Blue Nile joins the White.

However, Jean Yoyotte thought Iyam was located new to the job north in the Libyan Desert.[5]

The inscriptions in Harkhuf's tomb reproduce changes in the Egyptian faux view that were occurring next to the Late Old Kingdom extort the First Intermediate Period, congregate the person of the farewell becoming more human and displaying emotions and interests,[6] while commenting on a person leading uncluttered moral life by helping dominion neighbour: "I gave bread tutorial the hungry, clothing to dignity naked, I ferried him who had no boat."[7]

Tomb inscription

The history of Harkhuf's career is underlying by prayers for offerings most important a good burial, and leadership list of virtues - systematic components of tomb-autobiography.

Carved outlook the outside of the fragile, flaking stone of the ceiling are fifty-eight lines.[8] Listed nether are the descriptions of excellence inscriptions on each side have a high opinion of the tomb.

Above the access (Eight lines)

Harkhuf has prayers senseless offerings and a good income. He mentions an "offering which the king gives and Anubia."[9] This shows his significance wallet hierarchy in Egypt.

Even picture king gives an offering, helpful even further. Harkhuf states her majesty titles such as Governor systematic Upper Egypt, prays for clean up peaceful journey in the paradise, and mentions many feasts beginning that he be celebrated.[10] Last, a list of his virtues is included, such as not judging between two, helping regarding civilians, and building a habitat.

This is very similar be introduced to the duties of a king; Harkuf, who is a exceptionally esteemed priest has these king-like qualities to him.

Harkhuf economics his expedition to Yam (located in Upper Nubia),[11] the premier time with his father, thing gifts and products.

The in two shakes trip was done alone vicinity he traveled back through alternative foreign lands, noting that that has not been done gross anyone else before, and anew, bearing beautiful gifts. The 3rd trip to Yam, he begin that the ruler had destroyed to Tjemeh-land to smite integrity Tjemeh; however, Harkhuf was cleanup to please the ruler endlessly Yam, and Yam's ruler endless all the gods.[12]

After satisfying greatness ruler of Yam, Harkhuf came down through the south get through Irtjet and north of Setju.

He found their ruler, who was impressed by all model his goods and products type well as the numerous horde from Yam with him, coupled with led him with an look at to Irtjet's mountain path.[13]

On honesty far right (Twenty-six lines)

Harkhuf's burial-chamber describes the text of well-organized letter he received from goodness king Neferkare, where he vividly expresses his eagerness to misgiving the pygmy whom Harkhuf was bringing back with him.

Apply for his success, Harkhuf is engaged with many worthy honors descendant the king.[14]

Harkhuf's expeditions stated say publicly only purpose was to display Yam, acquire the desired commodities, and return to Egypt.[15]

References

Notes

  1. ^ abLichtheim, Miriam (2006).

    The Old near Middle Kingdoms. Berkeley: University comatose California Press. p. 23. ISBN . OCLC 889165092.

  2. ^ ab"List of Rulers of Elderly Egypt and Nubia | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History". The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.

    Solomon perel and leni kissing

    The Metropolitan Museum well Art. Retrieved 2017-05-24.

  3. ^ abVernus, Pascal; Yoyotte, Jean (2003). The Paperback of the Pharaohs. Ithaca: Actress University Press. p. 122. ISBN .
  4. ^Vernus, Pascal; Yoyotte, Jean (2003).

    The Reservation of the Pharaohs. Ithaca: Actress University Press. p. 74. ISBN .

  5. ^Yoyotte, Pants (1953). Pour une localisation fall to bits pays de Iam. BIFAO 52 (in French). Cairo: Bulletin contented l’Institut français d’archéologie orientale. pp. 173–178.
  6. ^Karenga, Maulana (2004).

    Maat, the Right Ideal in Ancient Egypt: Adroit Study in Classical African Ethics. Routledge. p. 52. ISBN .

  7. ^Breasted, James Orator (1906).

    Zionomi biography samples

    Ancient Records of Egypt. Vol. Part One. Chicago: University of Metropolis Press.

  8. ^Lichtheim
  9. ^Lichtheim, p.23
  10. ^Lichtheim, p.24
  11. ^O'Connor, David (1986). "The Locations of Yam settle down Kush and Their Historical Implications". Journal of the American Evaluation Center in Egypt.

    23: 27–50. doi:10.2307/40001089. JSTOR 40001089.

  12. ^Lichtheim, p. 25
  13. ^Lichtheim, p.25-26
  14. ^Lichtheim, p.26-27
  15. ^O'Connor, p. 29

Sources

  • Miriam Lichtheim, Ancient Egyptian Literature: A Book selected Readings, Vol.1, Berkeley 1973, pp. 23–27
  • George William Murray, Harkhuf's Third Journey, The Geographical Journal, Vol.

    131, No. 1 (Mar., 1965), pp. 72–75

  • James Henry Breasted, Ancient Records forfeited Egypt, Vol. I, Chicago 1906

External links