Deep Solar Eclipses in Ancient Egypt – a new interpretation of some New Kingdom texts.

David G. Smith.

© May 2007

Abstract

Despite the fact that the sun played such a prominent part in the religion and culture of Ancient Egypt it is surprising that there is virtually no mention in Ancient Egyptian texts of solar eclipses, which would not have been understood and would have been terrifying.

This paper discusses a class of inscriptions appearing on a number of artefacts and material from the Book of the Dead from Deir el-Medina or nearby. In the past the inscriptions have traditionally been interpreted by researchers as referring to blindness, often of only a temporary nature, or of spiritual darkness and their co-incidence with the occurrence of Book of the Dead Spell 135 has not hitherto been reported.

Tentative dating of these artefacts has been attempted based upon their provenance and the individuals associated with them in relation to known regnal years from a generally accepted chronology supplemented by recent research for the Amarna period.

The hypothesis is proposed that these artefacts record the witnessing of a deep solar eclipse, which, not being understood at the time, was regarded as a punishment or omen, and was consequently interpreted in religious terms. It is suggested that in response Spell 135 was then used in a precautionary manner in the tombs of those who witnessed the event or their family.

This hypothesis is shown to be consistent with the available evidence. If further undated examples are found later this hypothesis may be a useful clue to their absolute dating and form an important element in generating an absolute chronology. Alternatively, if such texts are found which do have internal or other dating evidence, the hypothesis can be tested further.

There are no reliable data before about 1000 BC for use in the calculation of historical eclipses. This paper suggests that there may be, after all, some record of eclipse events amongst Ancient Egyptian texts, which, if properly interpreted, could reveal quantitative material potentially dating much further back and which could make a significant contribution to the study of historical eclipses and of the earth’s rotation.

A full copy of the paper in pdf form can be downloaded by clicking here.

Last revised: 17th May 2007