Great Karnak Inscription, Ancient hieroglyphic inscription at Karnak Temple Complex, Egypt
The Great Karnak Inscription is a hieroglyphic record stretching across 79 lines along the east wall of the Cachette Court within the Amun-Re precinct. This long text spans the space between certain gateways of the temple and stands as one of the largest continuous written pieces from this era.
The inscription dates to the early 13th century BCE and was commissioned under Pharaoh Merneptah. It documents military campaigns against external threats and rivals from different regions that posed dangers to the kingdom at that time.
The text was positioned at a key location within the temple to tell stories of wars and religious devotion that mattered deeply to ancient Egyptians. Such inscriptions show how pharaohs recorded their authority and their bond with the divine.
The inscription is located at a defined spot between several entrances within the large open-air temple complex. Visitors should allow time to examine the fine details of the hieroglyphics, especially given the strong sun exposure at the site.
The text includes a reference to a population group from the eastern Mediterranean region that appears in few official Egyptian documents. This mention offers rare insight into how Egyptians perceived and recorded foreign peoples during this period.
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