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The Autobiography Of Harkhuf By Miriam Lichtheim

Decent Essays

“The Autobiography of Harkhuf” Reveals Egyptian Civilization The “Autobiography of Harkhuf” is a primary source from the collection of readings, Ancient Egyptian Literature A Book of Readings, by Miriam Lichtheim. Essentially it is the obituary of an Old Kingdom official, Harkhuf, who lived during Egypt’s Sixth Dynasty (Lichtheim). The obituary was found carved onto the facade of a tomb in Aswan, with fifty-eight lines inscribed to describe the Harkhuf’s milestones. Harkhuf was an Elephantine native who was appointed governor of the Southern area of Upper Egypt. Appointed by King Merenre, he was in charge of overseeing caravans and trade relations, particularly between Egypt and Nubia. The passage vividly describes four expeditions that Harkhuf had made. The first was from Memphis to the Second Nile Cataract region. This lengthy journey took approximately seven months to complete. The following journey went smoothly, but the third journey consisted of obstacles. This was because, during this journey his route was restricted due to a war between the nation and a Libyan tribe. Harkhuf’s duty was to keep the trade route open and operating. Thus he utilized his knowledge and expertise to negotiate with the warring chief to let him complete his mission. Ultimately, Harkhuf succeeded and was able to return to Egypt, escorted by armed men for protection, with 300 donkeys, incense, ebony, ivory, animal skins, etc.. Harkhuf’s later endeavors pleased succeeding kings, such as Pepi

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