Papyrus Harris

Egypt History - Egyptian Chapter Decoration

Background

The Papyrus Harris, also known as the Great Harris Papyrus, is an ancient Egyptian document dating to the reign of Ramesses III of the 20th Dynasty, specifically around the 12th century BCE. Here are key aspects of the Papyrus Harris:

Discovery and Origin:

The Papyrus Harris was discovered in the late 19th century by the British archaeologist Anthony Harris, after whom it is named.
It was found in the mortuary temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt.

Contents and Themes:

The Papyrus Harris is a long scroll measuring about 41 meters (135 feet) in length and is written in hieratic script, a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing, on both sides of the papyrus.
The document contains a detailed record of the achievements, victories, and religious endowments of Ramesses III during his reign.
It also includes lists of the king's donations to temples, descriptions of royal building projects, accounts of military campaigns, and records of offerings made to the gods.

Historical Significance:

The Papyrus Harris provides valuable insights into the reign of Ramesses III and the political, military, and religious activities of the Egyptian state during the New Kingdom period.
It offers a comprehensive overview of the king's accomplishments and contributions to Egyptian society, highlighting his efforts to maintain stability, uphold religious traditions, and expand the influence of the pharaoh's authority.

Cultural and Religious Context:

Like other royal inscriptions and documents from ancient Egypt, the Papyrus Harris reflects the close relationship between the pharaoh and the gods, with numerous references to divine protection, blessings, and divine favor.
The document also underscores the importance of temple construction, ritual offerings, and religious festivals in maintaining cosmic order and ensuring the king's prosperity and success.

Preservation and Interpretation:

The Papyrus Harris is currently housed in the British Museum in London, where it is preserved and displayed as an important artifact of ancient Egyptian history and culture.
Scholars continue to study the document to gain insights into the political, social, and religious dynamics of the New Kingdom period, as well as the ideology and propaganda of the Egyptian monarchy.

The Papyrus Harris remains a valuable source of information for understanding the reign of Ramesses III and the broader context of ancient Egyptian civilization during the New Kingdom era.