The History of Egypt 06b: The Diary of Merer
Feb 4, 2013
Dive into the life of Merer, an accountant during Khufu's reign, as his diaries reveal the inner workings of the Great Pyramid's construction. Discover the challenges faced by workers and the sophisticated organization behind this ancient marvel. Uncover archaeological findings that shed light on the significance of Merer's records. Join the journey through the landscapes of ancient Egypt and see how these fragile artifacts tell a vivid story of monumental efforts and dedication.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Unexpected Maritime Records From Wadi al-Jarf
- The Wadi al-Jarf papyri (Merer’s diaries) record daily logistics for Khufu’s Giza projects and survived 4,000+ years.
- Pierre Tallet's team found fragmented papyri in 2013 that reveal organized state-sponsored maritime labour on the Red Sea coast.
Merer: A Detail-Oriented Inspector
- Merer was an inspector (Sehej) who kept meticulous, neatly written journal entries and logistical records.
- His handwriting and record-keeping style let historians glimpse bureaucratic organisation in the Old Kingdom.
Ferrying Workers Between Giza And Tura
- Merer’s crew acted like a shuttle, ferrying workers daily between Giza’s harbour and the Tura quarries over repeated round trips.
- Over five round trips a medium ship could transport roughly 600 workers, illustrating massive coordinated labour.
