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Egyptian King List

Background

The Egyptian King List is a historical record that chronicles the names and reigns of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Various versions of the king list exist, each created for different purposes and at different times in Egyptian history. These lists were inscribed on temple walls, papyri, and other monuments, serving both as historical records and as tools to legitimize the current ruler by connecting them to a long line of predecessors. Here is an overview of the most notable Egyptian King Lists:

1. Abydos King List

• Location: Temple of Seti I at Abydos
• Date: 19th Dynasty, around 1279–1213 BCE
• Description: The Abydos King List is one of the most famous and complete king lists. It consists of 76 cartouches (oval rings enclosing the names of pharaohs) that begin with Menes (often identified with Narmer) and end with Seti I, omitting certain rulers and dynasties considered illegitimate or irrelevant to Seti I's lineage.
• Purpose: The list was intended to show the divine and unbroken line of legitimate kings, reinforcing Seti I's right to rule.

2. Saqqara King List

• Location: Tomb of the scribe Tjuneroy at Saqqara
• Date: 19th Dynasty, around 1290–1279 BCE
• Description: This list contains the names of 58 kings, starting with Anedjib of the 1st Dynasty and ending with Ramesses II of the 19th Dynasty. It includes many of the same names as the Abydos King List but also omits certain rulers.
• Purpose: Similar to the Abydos list, it served to legitimize the current ruler by emphasizing the continuity of royal authority.

3. Turin King List (Turin Royal Canon)

• Location: Turin, Italy (Museo Egizio)
• Date: 19th Dynasty, around 1200 BCE
• Description: The Turin King List is a fragmentary papyrus that originally contained a comprehensive list of kings from the mythical times to the New Kingdom. Unlike other lists, it includes the lengths of each king's reign and mentions several lesser-known and ephemeral rulers.
• Purpose: This list was likely used for administrative and chronological purposes, providing a more detailed and complete record of Egypt's pharaohs.

4. Palermo Stone

• Location: Palermo, Italy (Palermo Archaeological Museum)
• Date: 5th Dynasty, around 2392–2283 BCE
• Description: The Palermo Stone is a fragment of a larger stela known as the Royal Annals. It records the reigns of early kings from the pre-dynastic period through the 5th Dynasty, including significant events, yearly records, and cult activities.
• Purpose: It served as a historical chronicle, documenting the achievements and religious activities of the kings.

5. Karnak King List

• Location: Temple of Amun at Karnak
• Date: 18th Dynasty, around 1391–1353 BCE
• Description: The Karnak King List, inscribed on the walls of the Temple of Amun, includes the names of 61 kings from the early dynastic period to Thutmose III. It notably excludes the rulers of the Second Intermediate Period and the Hyksos.
• Purpose: Like other king lists, it aimed to establish the legitimacy of the ruling pharaoh by demonstrating an unbroken line of succession.

6. Manetho’s Aegyptiaca

• Author: Manetho, an Egyptian priest and historian
• Date: Ptolemaic Period, 3rd century BCE
• Description: Manetho’s Aegyptiaca is a history of Egypt written in Greek, divided into three books and organized into 30 dynasties. While the original work is lost, it survives in fragments and summaries by later historians such as Josephus, Eusebius, and Africanus.
• Purpose: Manetho's work aimed to provide a comprehensive history of Egypt for a Greek-speaking audience, serving both historical and political purposes by connecting the Ptolemaic rulers to ancient Egyptian traditions.

Importance and Use

1. Historical Documentation:

   • The king lists serve as crucial primary sources for understanding the chronology and history of ancient Egypt. They provide insight into the succession of rulers, the length of their reigns, and significant historical events.

2. Legitimization of Rule:

   • By emphasizing continuity and connecting current rulers to revered ancestors, the king lists helped to legitimize the authority of pharaohs. They reinforced the idea of divine kingship and the unbroken line of succession.

3. Cultural and Religious Significance:

   • The lists highlight the cultural and religious importance of the pharaohs, who were seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people. They often include religious ceremonies and the establishment of cults to honor past rulers.

4. Chronological Framework:

   • For modern historians and archaeologists, these lists provide a framework for dating events and understanding the sequence of Egypt's dynasties. They are essential for reconstructing the timeline of ancient Egyptian history.

Summary

The Egyptian King Lists are essential historical records that document the succession of pharaohs from the earliest periods of Egyptian history through various dynasties. These lists, including the Abydos King List, Saqqara King List, Turin King List, Palermo Stone, Karnak King List, and Manetho’s Aegyptiaca, serve multiple purposes, from legitimizing the current ruler to providing a chronological framework for historical study. They highlight the importance of continuity, divine kingship, and the cultural and religious roles of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt.