Pyramid Texts facts for kids

The Pyramid Texts are a collection of ancient religious writings. They were carved on the walls inside several pyramids in Ancient Egypt. These texts are the oldest known religious writings from Ancient Egypt. They are also the largest group of texts from that time.

The Pyramid Texts were created for the pharaohs (kings) of Egypt. They were meant to help the pharaohs travel safely to the afterlife. These texts are like a guide or a set of magical spells for the king's journey after death.

What Are Pyramid Texts?

The Pyramid Texts are a huge collection of spells, hymns, and myths. They were written to protect the pharaoh and help him become a god in the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians believed that after a pharaoh died, his soul would travel to the stars. These texts were supposed to make sure that journey was successful.

Who Used These Texts?

These special texts were first used by pharaohs of the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties. Later, during the Eighth Dynasty, they were also used. The first pharaoh known to have these texts in his pyramid was King Unas. His pyramid is located in a place called Saqqara, in Egypt. Other pharaohs like Teti and Merenre also had these texts in their pyramids.

Where Were They Found?

The Pyramid Texts are found carved directly onto the stone walls inside the burial chambers of pyramids. These chambers are deep inside the pyramids. The texts are written in hieroglyphs, which is the ancient Egyptian writing system. They cover the walls and even the sarcophagus (stone coffin) of the pharaoh.

What Do the Texts Say?

The content of the Pyramid Texts is very diverse. They include many different types of writings. Some parts are prayers to the gods. Other parts are spells to protect the pharaoh from dangers in the afterlife. There are also hymns (songs of praise) and myths (stories about gods and creation).

Spells for the Journey

Many spells in the Pyramid Texts are about the pharaoh's journey to the sky. They describe how the pharaoh will join the sun god Ra or become one with the stars. Some spells help the pharaoh overcome obstacles or dangers he might face. Other spells help him find food and drink in the afterlife.

Stories of the Gods

The texts also mention many Egyptian gods and goddesses. They tell stories about their roles in creation and in the afterlife. For example, the god Osiris, who was the god of the afterlife, is often mentioned. These stories helped the pharaoh understand his place in the universe after death.

Why Are They Important Today?

The Pyramid Texts are incredibly important for several reasons. They are the oldest religious writings we have from Ancient Egypt. This means they give us a unique look into the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. They help us understand how they viewed death, the afterlife, and their gods.

Historians and archaeologists study these texts to learn about ancient Egyptian language, religion, and culture. They are a valuable source of information about one of the world's oldest civilizations.

Images for kids

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  Pyramid Text inscribed on the wall of a subterranean room in Teti's pyramid, at Saqqara.

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  Pyramid of Merenre I, one of the earliest pyramids in which Maspero discovered the Pyramid Texts.

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  The burial chamber of Unas' pyramid, with lines of protective spells on the west gable. These were the only inscriptions on the walls surrounding the sarcophagus.

See also

In Spanish: Textos de las Pirámides para niños