Timekeeping at Akhet Khufu, as shown by the Diary of Merer

TL;DR

The Diary of Merer reveals detailed ancient Egyptian timekeeping, including calendar structure and seasonal adaptation, demonstrating advanced logistics and Merer's reputation for precise time management during Khufu's reign.

Contribution

This study provides the first detailed analysis of ancient Egyptian calendar use and logistics based on the Diary of Merer, highlighting its modernity and accuracy.

Findings

Egyptian calendar with 30-day months and 10-day weeks identified

Seasons and epagomenal days named and documented

Merer's role involved precise seasonal timekeeping

Abstract

The discovery of the Diary of Merer (papyri Wadi al-Jarf) allows us to see the Egyptian calendar applied in a logbook. The diary is dated to the 26th year of reign of Khufu and describes Merer and his crew transporting the limestone blocks from the Tura quarries to Akhet Khufu, that is, the pyramid of Khufu (Old Kingdom). We find a calendar with 30-day months, 10-day weeks, five epagomenal days (Tallet, 2017) and Merer's job adapted to the seasons of the year. Seasons and epagomenal days have names according to inscriptions on the east wall of the Tehne tomb of Nj-k'-'nh (Nikaiankh), end of Fourth Dynasty or early Fifth Dynasty. The Diary gives us an overall impression of extreme modernity in the logistics of ancient Egypt. And Merer looks like a person with a reputation for good timekeeping at Akhet Khufu.