Knowra Wadi al-Jarf papyri Wadi al-Jarf papyri A cache of ancient Egyptian papyri discovered at the Red Sea harbor of Wadi al-Jarf, including administrative records from Khufu’s reign and accounts of transporting limestone for the Great Pyramid.
Diary of Merer : An Old Kingdom logbook recording an official’s work transporting limestone to the pyramid complex at Giza. Its entries are the cache’s best-known account of stone delivery during Khufu’s reign.
Old Kingdom Egyptian administration : The institutions and officials that organized Egypt’s government during the Old Kingdom. The papyri preserve the administrative routines behind expeditions and material deliveries.
Fourth Dynasty of Egypt : An Egyptian royal dynasty of the Old Kingdom, known for major pyramid construction. The harbor facilities and papyri date to this dynasty, particularly Khufu’s reign.
Pyramid construction in ancient Egypt : The planning, labor, material transport, and building methods used to construct ancient Egyptian pyramids. The papyri supply contemporary evidence for organizing materials and workers during pyramid building.
Wadi al-Jarf : An ancient Egyptian harbor on the Red Sea coast, used during the Fourth Dynasty. The papyri were found in storage galleries beside this harbor.
Ancient Egyptian ships : Watercraft used by ancient Egyptians for transport, trade, fishing, and military expeditions. Sea and river travel connected Wadi al-Jarf with inland construction sites.
Pierre Tallet : A French Egyptologist known for research and excavations at Wadi al-Jarf. He led the team that published the papyrus discoveries.
Tura limestone : Fine white limestone quarried near ancient Tura and used for prestigious Egyptian construction. Merer’s log records shipments of this stone toward Khufu’s pyramid complex.
Great Pyramid of Giza : The largest pyramid in Egypt, built at Giza for the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu. Merer’s log describes transporting limestone for its construction.
Nile River : A major northeastern African river that sustained ancient Egyptian agriculture and transport. Cargo from the Red Sea coast could reach Giza through linked waterways and overland routes.
Show all 21