# Pyramid Texts

> corpus of ancient Egyptian religious texts dating to the Old Kingdom in Old Egyptian, carved onto the subterranean walls and sarcophagi of pyramids at Saqqara

**Wikidata**: [Q645882](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q645882)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_Texts)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pyramid-texts

## Summary
The Pyramid Texts are a corpus of ancient Egyptian religious texts dating to the Old Kingdom, carved onto the subterranean walls and sarcophagi of pyramids at Saqqara. These texts include incantations and funerary rituals intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife, reflecting the religious beliefs and burial practices of the time.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: -2400-00-00T00:00:00Z (Old Kingdom period)
- **Location**: Saqqara, Egypt
- **Medium**: Carved onto subterranean walls and sarcophagi of pyramids
- **Language**: Old Egyptian
- **Classification**: Literary work and collection of ancient Egyptian funerary texts
- **Related entities**: Pyramid of Unas, Pyramid of Teti, mortuary complex of Pepi I, Pyramid of Merenre, Pyramid of Pepi II, Pyramid of Ibi
- **Publication date**: +1894-00-00T00:00:00Z (first recorded documentation)
- **Sitelink count**: 44 (indicating notable references across knowledge bases)

## FAQs
**What are the Pyramid Texts?**
The Pyramid Texts are a collection of ancient Egyptian religious texts from the Old Kingdom, inscribed on the subterranean walls and sarcophagi of pyramids at Saqqara. They include incantations and funerary rituals designed to aid the deceased in the afterlife.

**When were the Pyramid Texts created?**
The Pyramid Texts date back to the Old Kingdom period, specifically around 2400 BCE.

**Where can the Pyramid Texts be found?**
The texts are carved onto the subterranean walls and sarcophagi of pyramids at Saqqara, Egypt.

**What language are the Pyramid Texts written in?**
The texts are written in Old Egyptian.

**What do the Pyramid Texts contain?**
The texts include incantations and funerary rituals intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife.

**Which pyramids are associated with the Pyramid Texts?**
The Pyramid Texts are associated with the Pyramid of Unas, Pyramid of Teti, mortuary complex of Pepi I, Pyramid of Merenre, Pyramid of Pepi II, and Pyramid of Ibi.

## Why It Matters
The Pyramid Texts are of immense historical and religious significance, providing critical insights into the funerary practices and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. These texts were designed to ensure the safe passage of the deceased through the afterlife, reflecting the Egyptians' deep spiritual convictions. They also serve as a primary source for understanding the Old Kingdom's religious rituals and the role of the pharaoh in the afterlife. The texts' preservation in subterranean chambers of pyramids highlights their importance to the Egyptians, who believed in the eternal life of the king.

## Notable For
- **Religious significance**: The texts include incantations and rituals intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife.
- **Historical record**: They provide a direct link to the religious beliefs and burial practices of the Old Kingdom.
- **Preservation**: The texts were carved onto the subterranean walls and sarcophagi of pyramids, ensuring their longevity.
- **Cultural impact**: The Pyramid Texts reflect the Egyptians' deep spiritual convictions and their belief in the eternal life of the pharaoh.

## Body
### History
The Pyramid Texts were created during the Old Kingdom period, around 2400 BCE, and are associated with the subterranean chambers of several major pyramids at Saqqara, including those of Unas, Teti, Pepi I, Merenre, Pepi II, and Ibi. The texts were inscribed on the walls and sarcophagi of these pyramids, serving as a guide for the deceased in the afterlife.

### Content and Purpose
The Pyramid Texts consist of incantations and funerary rituals designed to ensure the safe passage of the deceased through the afterlife. These texts were intended to aid the deceased in their journey, providing protection and guidance in the afterlife. The texts reflect the Egyptians' deep spiritual beliefs and their conviction in the eternal life of the pharaoh.

### Location and Preservation
The texts are carved onto the subterranean walls and sarcophagi of pyramids at Saqqara, Egypt. This location was chosen for its symbolic significance, as the subterranean chambers were believed to be the gateway to the afterlife. The texts' preservation in these chambers highlights their importance to the Egyptians.

### Cultural and Religious Significance
The Pyramid Texts are a critical source for understanding the religious beliefs and funerary practices of the Old Kingdom. They provide insights into the Egyptians' spiritual convictions and their belief in the eternal life of the pharaoh. The texts also reflect the Egyptians' deep cultural and religious significance, as they were designed to ensure the safe passage of the deceased through the afterlife.

### Related Entities
The Pyramid Texts are closely associated with several major pyramids at Saqqara, including the Pyramid of Unas, Pyramid of Teti, mortuary complex of Pepi I, Pyramid of Merenre, Pyramid of Pepi II, and Pyramid of Ibi. These pyramids served as tombs for pharaohs and were adorned with the Pyramid Texts to guide the deceased in the afterlife.

## References

1. Russian Wikipedia
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File