Sarcophagus Texts - A collection of ancient Egyptian funerary spells carved into the surface of the sarcophagi. For the first time, these inscriptions appeared during the First transitional period.
The Texts are partially borrowed from earlier sources, such as the Pyramid Texts, but in contrast to them, the Sarcophagus Texts contain substantially new materials related to the daily needs of a person. This is evidence that these texts were used not only by the royal nobility, but also by ordinary rich people. Now ordinary Egyptians could afford to make a sarcophagus with similar funerary spells. From now on, not only the pharaohs had the right to an afterlife, but also ordinary Egyptians.
Most of the texts written on the sarcophagi belong to the period of the Middle Kingdom. However, sometimes such inscriptions are found on the walls of tombs, on the surface of chests, canopes, in papyri and even on mummy masks. Due to the limited surface on which the texts were applied, they were often shortened, which in turn led to an abbreviated and complete version of such spells, some of which were later copied into the Book of the Dead.
Unlike the Pyramid Texts, which focus mainly on everything divine, the Sarcophagus Texts emphasize the earthly elements of the afterlife ruled by Osiris. In the Sarcophagus Texts, Osiris offers an afterlife to everyone by automatically assigning names to the deceased with the prefix "Osiris". This underworld is described as a place full of terrible creatures, traps and dangers that the deceased must overcome. The spells recorded in the Texts of the sarcophagi allow the deceased to protect themselves from dangers and thereby avoid a second death.
Also in the Texts of the sarcophagi it is said that all people will be judged by Osiris and his assistants, according to the deeds committed by people during their lifetime. The texts speak of the use of balance, which became a pivotal judicial point in the later Book of the Dead. The texts admonish the deceased on how to avoid such tiring and routine activities as physical labor, using all kinds of magic spells.
The texts of the sarcophagi combine ritual actions aimed at protecting and striving for a blessed existence after death, a successful transformation and transmigration of the soul, etc. In addition, these texts contain a detailed description of the land of the dead and its inhabitants.
Text 1130, a saying of the sun god Ra, who says:
Promotional video:
May the world rejoice! I repeat for you the good deeds that my heart has done for me from the inside, in order to calm the dispute …"
I created four winds so that each person could breathe in the time allotted to him …"
I created a great flood so that the humble might be of great benefit …”
I made every person a lover of their neighbor, and I did not command them to make mistakes. It is their hearts that do not obey my words …"
I created gods from my own sweat and people from my own tears …”
Text 1031, a saying of the deceased, which says:
I will be fair, sailing in my boat (barge), I am the lord of eternity, crossing the heavens."
I am not afraid of any part of my body, the villains Hu and Hike are overthrown for me."
I will see the land of light, I will stay in it …"
I pave my way to see Nun and Amon, for I am the one who has a pass for the guards (of this world) …"
I am effectively equipped to open my portal!
Like any person who knows this spell, he will be like Ra in the eastern skies and like Osiris in the afterlife. He will enter the circle of fire, the flame of which will not burn him!
Several sarcophagi from the Middle Kingdom, found in the necropolis of el-Bersheh (Deir el-Bersha), contain unique images showing the journey of the deceased through the afterlife. This collection, called "The Book of the Two Ways", became the first illustrative example showing a detailed map of the afterlife of Ancient Egypt.
Sarcophagus of the Middle Kingdom of the XII Dynasty (1950 - 1900 BC). Found near the town of Assiut. It is currently in the Louvre.
The Book of Two Paths is a precursor to the Book of the Dead, which appeared during the New Kingdom period, which also contains detailed descriptions of routes through the afterlife. Two paths represent land and water routes, separated by a lake of fire, which lead to the abode of Osiris.