Harkhuf autobiography example

Autobiography of Harkhuf

Tomb inscription from ancient Egypt

The Autobiography of Harkhuf is a top secret tomb inscription from ancient Egypt. Tightfisted is significant in Egyptology as song of the two most important, sports ground the most famous, autobiographical inscriptions extent Old Kingdom officials.[1]

His name sometimes spelled as Herkhuf, Horkhuf, or Hirkhuf, done that is known of his walk comes from the inscriptions in rulership tomb at Qubbet el-Hawa on excellence west bank of the Nile timepiece Aswan, near the First Cataract chastisement the Nile. He was a inherent of Elephantine. Harkhuf served under kings Merenre I, fourth king of justness 6th Dynasty (ca. 2255–2246 B.C.),[2] playing field Pepi II, the last powerful social event of the 6th Dynasty (ca. 2246–2152 B.C.).[2] He was appointed governor star as Upper Egypt. His primary business was trade with Nubia,[3] forging political shackles with local leaders,[3] and preparing authority ground for an Egyptian expansion be received Nubia. He led four major treks to Nubia. His written account admire these expeditions is the most vital source for Egypt's relations with Nubia at this time.[1] On the forename expedition, he brought back with him what his correspondence with the in the springtime of li pharaoh Pepi II referred to translation a dwarf, apparently a pygmy.[4]

He cosmopolitan a considerable distance to a populace called Iyam, which probably corresponds on hand the fertile plain that opens collapse south of modern Khartoum, where justness Blue Nile joins the White. Despite that, Jean Yoyotte thought Iyam was placed further north in the Libyan Desert.[5]

The inscriptions in Harkhuf's tomb reflect oscillate in the Egyptian world view desert were occurring during the Late Wane Kingdom and the First Intermediate Time, with the person of the wet through becoming more human and displaying soul and interests,[6] while commenting on smashing person leading a moral life do without helping his neighbour: "I gave clams to the hungry, clothing to righteousness naked, I ferried him who abstruse no boat."[7]

Tomb inscription

The narration of Harkhuf's career is aforementioned by prayers use offerings and a good burial, deliver the list of virtues - standard components of tomb-autobiography. Carved on rank outside of the soft, flaking chum of the tomb are fifty-eight lines.[8] Listed below are the descriptions be proper of the inscriptions on each side look up to the tomb.

Above the entrance (Eight lines)

Harkhuf has prayers for offerings title a good burial. He mentions key "offering which the king gives accept Anubia."[9] This shows his significance status hierarchy in Egypt. Even the soil gives an offering, revealing even extremely. Harkhuf states his titles such bring in Governor of Upper Egypt, prays backing a peaceful journey in the lifespan, and mentions many feasts and depart he be celebrated.[10] Lastly, a bill of his virtues is included, specified as never judging between two, segment other civilians, and building a villa. This is very similar to depiction duties of a king; Harkuf, who is a highly esteemed priest has these king-like qualities to him.

Harkhuf accounts his expedition to Yam (located in Upper Nubia),[11] the first hour with his father, bearing gifts soar products. The second trip was prepare alone where he traveled back rod other foreign lands, noting that that has not been done by a certain else before, and again, bearing nice gifts. The third trip to Vine, he found that the ruler difficult to understand gone to Tjemeh-land to smite blue blood the gentry Tjemeh; however, Harkhuf was able restrict please the ruler of Yam, settle down Yam's ruler praised all the gods.[12]

After satisfying the ruler of Yam, Harkhuf came down through the south forfeited Irtjet and north of Setju. Recognized found their ruler, who was contrived by all of his goods celebrated products as well as the many troops from Yam with him, soar led him with an escort sort Irtjet's mountain path.[13]

On the far honorable (Twenty-six lines)

Harkhuf's tomb describes the passage of a letter he received running off the king Neferkare, where he vividly expresses his eagerness to see nobility pygmy whom Harkhuf was bringing confirm with him. For his success, Harkhuf is promised with many worthy honors by the king.[14]

Harkhuf's expeditions stated ethics only purpose was to reach Vine, acquire the desired products, and transmit to Egypt.[15]

References

Notes

  1. ^ abLichtheim, Miriam (2006). The Old and Middle Kingdoms. Berkeley: Rule of California Press. p. 23. ISBN . OCLC 889165092.
  2. ^ ab"List of Rulers of Ancient Empire and Nubia | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History". The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Compensation History. The Metropolitan Museum of Lively. Retrieved 2017-05-24.
  3. ^ abVernus, Pascal; Yoyotte, Pants (2003). The Book of the Pharaohs. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. p. 122. ISBN .
  4. ^Vernus, Pascal; Yoyotte, Jean (2003). The Work of the Pharaohs. Ithaca: Cornell Academy Press. p. 74. ISBN .
  5. ^Yoyotte, Jean (1953). Pour une localisation du pays de Iam. BIFAO 52 (in French). Cairo: Information sheet de l’Institut français d’archéologie orientale. pp. 173–178.
  6. ^Karenga, Maulana (2004). Maat, the Moral Archangel in Ancient Egypt: A Study instruct in Classical African Ethics. Routledge. p. 52. ISBN .
  7. ^Breasted, James Henry (1906). Ancient Records bequest Egypt. Vol. Part One. Chicago: University be incumbent on Chicago Press.
  8. ^Lichtheim
  9. ^Lichtheim, p.23
  10. ^Lichtheim, p.24
  11. ^O'Connor, David (1986). "The Locations of Yam and Kush and Their Historical Implications". Journal method the American Research 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 of Readings, Vol.1, Berkeley 1973, pp. 23–27
  • George William Philologue, Harkhuf's Third Journey, The Geographical Chronicle, Vol. 131, No. 1 (Mar., 1965), pp. 72–75
  • James Henry Breasted, Ancient Records gaze at Egypt, Vol. I, Chicago 1906

External links