RAMESSIDE INSCRIPTIONS

TRANSLATED AND ANNOTATED: TRANSLATIONS

RAMESSIDE INSCRIPTIONS
Translated and Annotated
Translations

Volume I

Kenneth A. Kitchen

Abercromby Press
 ISBN: 978 0 9930920 8 4

© Kenneth A. Kitchen, 2017

A CIP catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior written permission of the
publisher.

First published by Blackwell Publishers (Oxford & Cambridge, Mass.), 1993.

This edition re-designed and published in 2017 by:

Abercromby Press,
12a Elm Park Road,
Wallasey,
CH45 5JH.

Typeset in Gill Sans and Garamond

Designed and typeset by Benedict G. Davies

Printed in Great Britain

 Contents

Abbreviations & Sigla xvii

Preface xix
By Way of Introduction xxi

R amesses I
1. Sinai, Larger Stela, No. 244 (Brussels E.2171) 1
2. Sinai, Lesser Stela, No. 245 (Cairo JdÉ. 38264) 1
3. Buhen, Stela of Year 2 (Louvre C.57) 1
4. Statue Base in the Louvre (E.7690) 2
5. Donation Stela, Year 1 (Strasbourg No. 1378) 3
6. Karnak North, Donation(?) Stela, Year 1 3
7. Fragments from Abydos & Heliopolis 3
8. Obelisk Fragment, Copenhagen (National Museum Inv. 468) 3
9. Monuments of Queen Sitre (Tomb QV 38; Abydos; Tomb KV 17) 4

Sethos I
Northern Wars
1. Karnak (E: bottom), Campaign from Sile to Pa-Canaan, Year 1 4
2. Beth Shan, First Stela, Year 1 (PAM, Jerusalem S.884) 7
3. Karnak (E: middle), Campaign to Yenoam & Lebanon, Year 1 or later 8
4. Beth Shan, Second Stela, [Year lost] (PAM, Jerusalem, S.885 A/B) 10
5. Tell esh-Shihab, Stela, Istanbul, Ancient Orient Museum 10942 10
6. Karnak (W: bottom), Campaign against the Hittites (Undated) 11
7. Karnak (W: middle), Campaign against the Libyans (Undated) 13
8. Karnak (W: top), Campaign to Qadesh and Amurru (Undated) 15
9. Qadesh (Tell Nebi Mend), Stela, Aleppo Museum 384 15
10. Karnak (E. Side), Triumph Scene & Topographical List (XIV) 16
11. Karnak (W. Side), Triumph Scene & Topographical List (XIII) 18
12. Abydos, Temple of Sethos I, Topographical List (XVI) 20
13. Qurneh Temple, North Sphinx, Topographical List (XV) 20
14. Qurneh Temple, South Sphinx, Topographical List 21
15. Kanais, Temple of Sethos I, Triumph Scene & Nubian List 22
16. Kanais, Temple of Sethos I, Triumph Scene & Northern List (XVII) 22

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17. Split, Sphinx, Diocletian’s Palace, Topographical List 23

Works of Peace
Dated Inscriptions & Associated Monuments
18. Buhen, Larger Stela, Year 1 (BM 1189) 23
19. Karnak, Alabaster Stela, Year 1 (Cairo CGC 34501) 24
20. Karnak, Temple of Ptah, Stela, Year 1, after 1 Campaign
st
25
21. Speos Artemidos, Great Inscription, Year 1 26
22. Speos Artemidos, Lesser Texts 28
23. Fayum, Boundary Stela, Year 2 (Cairo CGC 34502) 29
24. Nauri, Decree for Abydos Temple of Sethos I, Year 4 29
25. Abydos & Reqaqna, Wine Jar Dockets, Years 4 & 5 (Cairo 2789; B.107) 38
26. East Silsila, Rock Stela, Year 6 39
27. East Silsila, Rock Stela of Official Hapy 40
28. Sinai (Serabit el-Khadim), Stela (247+248) of Asha-hebused, Year 8 40
29. Sinai (Serabit el-Khadim), Stela (250) of Asha-hebused, under S. I and R. II 41
30. Sinai (Serabit el-Khadim), Minor Fragments & Relief (246 & 249) 42
31. Wadi Hammamat, Three Rock Scenes (Montet 94, 213 & 214) 42
32. Kanais, Temple of Sethos I, Threefold Inscription, Year 9 42
33. Kanais, Temple of Sethos I, Dedicatory Texts 45
34. Kanais, Stela of aAnena & Colleague 46
35. Kanais, Stela of Official with Seven Deities & Astarte, etc. 47
36. Aswan, Lesser Stela of Year 9 47
37. Aswan, Larger Stela of Year 9 47
38. Gebel Barkal, Stela of Year 11 (Khartum Museum 1856) 48
39. Giza, Sphinx-Temple, Stela of Sethos I as Huntsman 49
40. Giza, Sphinx-Temple, Jambs of Sethos I 50
41. Giza, near Sphinx, Stela of Official Hatiay 51
42. El-Dibabiya (opposite Gebelen), Stela of Huy 51
43. West Silsila, Rhetorical Stela of Sethos I 51
44. West Silsila, Invocation & Offerings to the Nile (Stelae of Sethos I, Ramesses II,
Merenptah and Ramesses III) 53

Undated Stelae & Associated Monuments

45. Elephantiné (“Nilometer”), Stela to Khnum 60
46. Qasr Ibrim, Stela with Viceroy Amenemope 61
47. Buhen, Lesser Stela, Year 1 63
48. Gebel Dosheh, Rock Stela, King & Viceroy Amenemope 63

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49. Nubian War, Year 8(?): Amarah West & Sai Stelae (Brooklyn Museum 39.424; Sai MAF
1970 F.25.11+) 64
50. Amarah West, Stela Fragment, Khartum Museum 3063 66

Cult of Ramesses I by Sethos I

51. Qantara, Monument of Sethos I for Ramesses I, restored by Ramesses II 66
52. Abydos, Osirian Statue of Ramesses I by Sethos I, Cairo JdÉ. 89525 68
53. Abydos, Chapel of Ramesses I erected by Sethos I 69
54. Abydos, Dedicatory Stela for Ramesses I 70
55. Qurneh Temple, Chapel for Ramesses I, Dedications by Sethos I 73

Other Royal Monuments · Geographical Series

56. Tyre, Rhetorical Stela 74
57. East Delta Fragments: Tell Birka, Kom Sheikh Raziq, El-Mineiar 75
58. Heliopolis [Rome], Flaminian Obelisk, Piazza del Popolo 75
59. Heliopolis [Alexandria], Sandstone Doorjamb 77
60. Heliopolis [Cairo], Table of Offerings, Cairo CGC 23090 78
61. Heliopolis(?) [Grottaferrata], Statue 78
62. Votive Temple Model, Tell el-Yahudiya from Heliopolis, Brooklyn Museum Acc. 49.183
[66.228] 79
63. Memphis, Temple of Sethos I, Foundation Deposit(?) 80
64. Memphis, Statue of Sethos I, Cairo CGC 1293 80
65. Memphis, Lintel of Sethos I, Oratory of the Goddesses(?) 80
66. Saqqara, Cow-head Weight, Cairo CGC 31651 80
67. Hermopolis, Decree of [Sethos I] 80
68. Abydos, Statuette from “Metropolitan Temple” of Osiris, Cairo CGC 751 81
69. Abydos, Ebony Box from Cemeteries 81
70. Abydos, Osireion, Hieratic Ostracon No. 1 81
71. [Abydos, Oriseion], Ostracon Berlin P.11292 82
72. Abydos, Osireion, Ostraca Nos. 2 & 3 82

Abydos · Great Temple of Sethos I

73. Hypostyle Halls, Dedications (108–120) & Province Lists (120–125) 82
74. Seven Chapels, Dedications 95
75. Osiris Suite, Dedications 105
76. Suite of Sokar & Nefertem 112
77. Gallery of the Kings (incl. List of Kings, 153–156) 118
78. Stairway Corridor (Speeches of Thoth/Seshat, 161–163, 163–166) 125
79. Butchers’ Hall or “Slaughterhouse”, and Annexe 129

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80. Treasuries, Dependencies & Lesser Remains (statue, sealings, etc.) 131
81. Medamud, Statue-base of Ramesses I with Sethos I 133

Karnak · Great Hypostyle Hall

82. Dedications on Architraves, Doorways, etc. (incl. Addenda) 134
83. Festival of Opet, rear of Pylon II 139
84. Processional Scenes, North Wall (interior) 140
85. Karnak, Royal & Divine Statuary, Cairo CGC 927, 39210–12, 42139, etc. 143

Qurneh · Temple of Sethos I

86. Hypostyle Hall, Architrave & Ceiling Dedications 144
87. Hypostyle Side Rooms III & IV 145
88. Hypostyle Side Room V 145
89. Barque Sanctuary, on side-walls 146
90. Rear Sanctuary, on walls, pillars, architraves (plus Addenda) 148
91. Suite of Ramesses I, Vestibule 149
92. Minor Remains (waterspout, ostraca, sealings) 150
93. Medinet Habu, Amenophis I Amun-Statue, Cairo CGC 1244 151
94. Valley of the Kings, Tomb KV 17, Sethos I enters the West 151
95. Deir el-Medina, Hathor Temple, furnishings & stelae 152
96. El-Kab, Lion Figure, Cairo JdÉ. 89120 153
97. Aksha, Temple Precinct, Subsidiary Buildings 153
98. Renewal Inscriptions (Selected: Lower & Upper Egypt, Nubia) 154

Miscellaneous & Minor Monuments (Royal)

99. Stela, BM 1665 156
100. Boundary Stela, Brooklyn Acc. No. 69.116.1, Year 1 156
101. Stela, Leiden V.16 157
102. Barque-Stand for Seth of Avaris, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna 157
103. Table of Offerings for Seth of Ombos & Nephthys, New York, MMA No. 22.2.22 158
104. Table of Offerings for Horus, Copenhagen, Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek, E.115/AEIN
44/A.742 159
105. Pillar & Naos Fragments, Berlin 2288 & 16782 160
106. Saqqara, Precinct of Djoser, Graffiti Q & R, Year 4 160
107. Scarabs and Minor Objects (Selected) 161

Documents of the Reign & Period

108. Papyrus Cairo CGC 58057, Letter of an Official of an Estate of Ramesses I 161
109. Papyrus Northumberland I, Memphite Affairs 162

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110. Papyrus Northumberland III, Literary Jottings 162

111. Papyrus Northumberland II, Army Baking Account 163
112. Palace Accounts, Memphis, Years 2 & 3 (Spiegelberg, Rechnungen, etc.)
(i) Deliveries of Fowl, Year 3 (Papyrus BN 203) 164
(ii) Baking & Bread Accounts, 1 Series (Papyri BN 204–208)
st
164
(iii) Baking & Bread Accounts, 2 Series (Papyrus BN 205)
nd
171
(iv) Baking & Bread Accounts, 3 Series (Papyrus BN 209, rto. I)
rd
173
(v) Timber Accounts, 1st Series (Papyrus BN 209, rto. II–V) 173
(vi) Grain Issue & Other Accounts (Papyrus BN 209, vso. I) 176
(vii) Baking & Bread Accounts, 4 Series; Clothing (Papyrus BN 209, vso. II–III)
th
176
(viii) Inventory of Personnel (Papyrus BN 209, vso. IV) 177
(ix) Timber Accounts, 2nd Series (Papyrus BN 210, abc, rto.; ab, vso.) 177
(x) Timber Accounts, 3 Series (Papyrus BN 211, rto.)
rd
178
(xi) Timber Accounts, 4 Series; & Reeds (Papyrus BN 211, vso.)
th
180
(xii) Timber Accounts, 5 Series (Papyrus BN 212, rto. I–III)
th
181
(xiii) Timber Accounts, 6th Series (Papyrus BN 213) 181
(xiv) Baking & Bread Accounts, 5 Series (Papyrus BN 237)
th
182
(xv) Timber Accounts, 7 Series (Papyrus Amherst XI, Fragments A & B)
th
182
113. Papyrus Fragment, Turin, Year 2 182

The Royal Family

114. Cross-References 183

Private Monuments of Contemporaries

A. Civil & Royal Administrations
Category I · Viziers
115. I.1: Nebamun, Vizier:
Statue, Cairo CGC 1140; base, Karnak TCC.1; Cross-Reference 183–184
116. I.2: Paser, Vizier: Theban Tomb No. 106
a. Doorway 184
b. Façade, Southern Stela 185
c. Duties of the Vizier 188
d. Sethos I rewards Paser 188
e. Paser inspects the Work of Karnak Temple Craftsmen 189
f. Solar Barque & Family Scenes 190
g. Pillar B, Face A, Biographical Text 192
h. Pillar C, Paser & Family, etc. 193
i. Pillar E, Praise of Montu & King 194
j. Pillar H, Broad Hall, Face A, Paser before Mertseger 195

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Cross-References 195

Category II · Viceroys of Nubia

117. II.1: Amenemope, Viceroy:
Graffiti, Aswan & Sehel; Cross-References 195–196
118. II.2: Iuny, Viceroy:
Rock Stela, Kanais; Cross-References 196

Category III · Colleagues & Subordinates of the Viceroys of Nubia

119. III.1: Huy, Aide to the Viceroy Amenemope:
Buhen, Stela, Philadelphia Univ. Museum, E.10998 [Mahiy, see p. 153] 197

Category V · Chiefs of Granaries in the South & North, & Staff

120. V.1: Nefersekheru, Steward & Granary Chief:
Tomb-chapel, Zawiyet el-Meitin (Kom el-Ahmar) 197
121. V.2: Siese the Elder, Granary Chief:
Abydos, statuette, Brussels E.4069; Cross-References 198

Category VIII · High Stewards of the King & his Foundations

122. VIII.1: Haunefer, King’s High Steward & Superintendent of Cattle:
Papyrus BM 9901, titles & prayers 198–199
123. VIII.2: Ruru, King’s High Steward & Sem-priest in his Abydos Temple:
Stela, Louvre C.92; Cross-References 199

Category IX · Royal Cupbearers & Court Functionaries

124. IX.1: Khnumemhab, Superintendent of Retainers:
Sedment, Shabti-figures; Book of the Dead papyrus, UCL 200
125. IX.2: Hori-Min, Chief of the Royal Harim at Memphis:
Relief Louvre C.213, reward by King 200
Berlin Stelae Nos. 7274 & 7305 (Saqqara) 201–203
Tomb-relief, Museo Civico, Bologna, No. 1944 203
Statue, Leiden Museum D.38 203
Tomb-reliefs, Cairo, Mon. Div., pl. 60; JdÉ. 8376–8378 and 8380–8382; TN.
1/7/24/6; Cross-Reference 205–207

Category X · Secretariat, Palace Administration, Etc.

126. X.1: Amenwahsu, Table-Scribe of the King:
Relief, Chicago, Oriental Institute No. 10507; Cross-Reference 208
127. X.2: Haremhab, [Official] of the King:

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Graffito, West Silsila [X.3: Hatiay, see above p. 51] 208

B. Armed Forces, Police, Building & Transport

Category XI · The Army
128. XI.1: Userhat, “Regimental” Army-Scribe:
Abydos, Stela (Mariette, Cat. 1137) 209
129. XI.2: Nakht, Royal Scribe & General:
Book of the Dead, Papyri BM 10471 & 10473; Titles & Family 209
130. XI.3: Mai-Sutekhi, Standard-Bearer:
Papyrus Cairo CGC 58053: Letter to Garrison Commanders 210
Papyrus Cairo CGC 58054: Letter to a Soldier 210
Papyrus Cairo CGC 58055: Letter to a Taxation Officer 211
131. XI.4: Hatiay, Standard-Bearer:
Tell Edfu stela, Cairo Museum JdÉ. 46749; Cross-Reference 211
132. XI.5: Hatiay, Scribe of the Stable of Ramesses I:
Stela, Musée Guimet 212

C. Temples: Priesthoods, Administrators & Other Staff

Category XV · High Priests of Amun at Thebes
133. XV.1: Wep(wat)mose, High Priest of Amun:
Box, Cairo JdÉ. 45386; Block, Medinet Habu 212
XV.2: Nebneteru, High Priest of Amun:
Cross-References 212

Category XVI · East Thebes · Other Priests & Staff

134. XVI.1: Didia, Chief Draughtsman-Painter of Amun:
Wooden Palette, Louvre N.2274 213
Two-sided Stela, Louvre C.50 213
Stela, BM 706, Deir el-Bahari, Dynasty 11 Temple 215

Category XVII · West Thebes · Other Priests & Staff

A. Temple of Sethos I at Qurneh
135. XVII.1: Harnufer, Priest of (the Temple of ) Sethos I:
Funerary Box, Louvre Inv. 4011 217
136. XVII.2: Amenmose, Scribe & Chief of Water, Temple of Sethos I:
Model Palette, BM 12778 217
137. XVII.3: Huyshery, Treasury Scribe of the Temple of Sethos I:
Stela, Stockholm National Museum Inv. 25 218

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B. Other West-Theban Cults

138. XVII.4: Userhat, High Priest of Tuthmosis I:
Theban Tomb No. 51, Western Thebes 219
139. XVII.5: Akheperkare-sonb, called Amenmose, High Priest of Tuthmosis I:
Funerary Cones, DMC 484, 371–372; Cross-References 225

Category XXIII · Abydos, High Priests of Osiris & Staff

A. “Metropolitan Temple” of Osiris, Abydos
140. XXIII.1: To/Tjay, High Priest of Osiris:
Abydos, Shabti-figure, Boston Museum; Cross-References 225
XXIII.2: Hat, High Priest of Osiris:
Cross-References 225
141. XXIII.3: Mery, High Priest of Osiris:
Abydos, Shabti-figure; Cross-References 225

B. Temple of Sethos I, Abydos

142. XXIII.4: Miya, Scribe of Offerings of all Gods of the Temple of Sethos I:
Abydos, Stela, Brussels Museum E.5300 226
143. XXIII.5: Roma, Scribe of Troops of the Temple of Sethos I:
Stela, BM 146 228
144. XXIII.6: Nianuy, Chief of Goldminers of the (Abydos) Temple of Sethos I:
Stela, Louvre C.93 229
145. XXIII.7: Sayempetref, Chief of Goldsmiths of the Temple of Sethos I:
Five blocks from Tomb-chapel, Abydos, & two more of uncertain provenance:
1. Kestner Museum (old Scheurleer 603) 229
2. Jelgersma Collection (old Scheurleer 625) 230
3. Kestner Museum (old Scheurleer 308) 230
4. Allard Pierson Museum (old Scheurleer 523) 230
5. Gemeente Museum (old Scheurleer 675) 231
6. den Haag Museum Inv. 630 231
7. Cairo Museum JdÉ. 52542 232
146. XXIII.8: Hori, Officiant of the Temple of Sethos I & the Estate of Ramesses I:
Abydos, Stela, Cairo Museum JdÉ. 34503 232
(XXIII.9: Ruru, Sem-Priest, see above, p. 199) 232

D. Other Special Groups & Life at Deir el-Medina

Category XXVII · Specialists & Other Scribes
147. XXVII.1: Iuny, Chief Royal Scribe, & Family:
Asyut, Tomb-chapel with father 233

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Deir Durunka, Asyut, Double Statue, MMA 15.2.1 234

Asyut, Kneeling Statue with Naos, MMA 33.2.1 235
Kneeling Statue CGC 728; Shabti BM 32692; Stela Ashmolean Mus. 1883.14 237
Stela Louvre C.89; Tet–amulet; Cross-References 238
148. Hymns to Abydos: Iuny, Userhat, Khay & Haremwia:
Berlin 8172; Leiden K.9; Vienna 90 (Haremwia) 238–240
149. Hymns to Re, Osiris, Wepwawet & Thoth:
Berlin 8172; Leiden K.9; Vienna 90 240–241
150. XXVII.2: Khay, Royal Table-Scribe:
Leiden K.9; Vienna 90 241
151. XXVII.3: Userhat, Chief Sculptor:
Leiden K.9; Cairo Museum CGC 457 241–244
152. XXVII.4: Haremwia, God’s Father of Horus-the-Youthful
Stela (cf. above §148) 244

Category XXVIII · Life at Deir el-Medina

Section A · Collective Sources
(α) Dated/Datable to Regnal Years
153. A.1: Laundry List, Year 1, O. DM 30 244
154. A.2: List of Vessels, Year 2, O. Cairo CGC 25704 245
155. A.3: Wood & Pottery Accounts, Years 3 and 2, or 4:
O. DM 1–28; O. Gardiner 43 (now O. Ashmolean Mus. 43); O. Berlin P.14261;
Leipzig, Münich 245–249
156. A.4: Pottery Accounts, Years 7 and 9
O. DM 91; O. Berlin P.10840 249

(β) Not Dated by Regnal Years

157. A.5: Lawsuit(?), O. DM 636 249
158. A.6: List of Foodstuffs, O. DM 29 (Leipzig) 249
159. A.7: Delivery of Vegetables by Police Chief Montemhab, O. Nash 7 250
160. A.8: Wood Account, O. DM 220 250
161. A.9: Personnel & Work Record, O. Cairo CGC 25501 250
A.10: Graffito, Spiegelberg, No. 721 (b) 250

Section B · Individuals & Families

I · Chief Workmen
162. B.I.1: Baki, Chief Workman (Left Side):
Theban Tomb No. 298 & Minor Remains from Tomb 250–251

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Stelae: Turin Cat. 1549 (now N.50055); BM 265; Louvre E.16369; Turin Cat. 1543
(now N.50051); Headrest, Cairo JdÉ. 65832, etc.; Cross-References 252–253
163. B.1.2: Pashedu, Chief Workman (Left Side):
Theban Tomb No. 3 253–255
Offering table, Cairo TN 9/6/26/1; Theban Tomb No. 326; Jamb; Stelae (Florence
Inv. 7624; Cairo JdÉ. 27820; Geneva D.55); Offering table fragment; Coffin fragment 255–257
164. B.I.3: Neferhotep the Elder, Chief Workman (Right Side):
Offering table, Deir el-Medina; Cross-References 257

III · Scribes of the Tomb

165. B.III.1: Amenemope, Scribe of the Tomb:
Theban Tomb No. 215, incl. Turin Cat. 1517 (now N.50085) 258–260
Bases, Turin Suppl. 9508/N.50221 & Suppl. 6176/N.50236; Stela Fragment 260
Double Statue, with wife, Berlin 6910 261
Offering Table, Louvre E.13997; Jamb; Graffito No. 95 (with guardian Khawy); stat-
uary fragments; O. DM 629; Shabti coffin fragment (TT 215) 264–265

IV · Outline Draughtsmen and their Chiefs

166. B.IV.1: Pay, Outline Draughtsman:
Stelae: BM 373, Turin Cat. 1553 (now N.50052), Turin Cat. 1554 (now N.50042), Turin
Suppl. 6144 (now N.50048); Jamb, BM 186; Graffito No. 817 265–267
167. B.IV.2: Pashedu, Outline Draughtsman:
Theban Tomb No. 323, incl. stela 267–269
Stelae: Hermitage 8726 and Deir el-Medina; other fragments, Turin Prov. 859 (now
N.50226), BM 261; Graffito No. 2614 269–270

V · Sculptors
168. B.V.1: Piay, Sculptor:
Stelae: Bankes No. 8, Louvre E.14405, etc.; Pyramidion, Louvre D.19; Offering table 270–271

VI · Chief Craftsmen, Etc.

169. B.VI.1: Huy, Chief Craftsman & Workman:
Theban Tomb No. 361, and Canopic Jars 271–272
Stelae, jambs, lintel, including Bankes No. 2, Turin Cat. 1609 (now N.50069), Berlin
20143, Turin Cat. 1661 (now N.50214), BM 448; Offering tables, incl. Louvre E.13996;
Graffito No. 1930 272–276
170. B.VI.2: Didi, Chief Craftsman & Workman:
Stelae, Shabtis, etc., Deir el-Medina; Cross-References 276–277

VIII · Workmen, Etc.

171. B.VIII.1: Amenemone, Workman:

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Tomb-relief, Cairo Museum JdÉ. 43591 277

172. B.VIII.2: Pashedu, Workman:
Theban Tomb No. 292, including Stelae Turin Suppl. 6150 (now N.50242) and Suppl.
6168 (now N.50083) 278–280
Stelae, etc., including BM 262, Turin Suppl. 6149 (now N.50076), Turin Cat. 1546
(now N.50026); Lintel, BM 598; Pillar Fragment Turin Suppl. 6154 (now N.50213);
Jamb Fragment 280–282
O. DM 108 and Graffito No. 819 282
173. B.VIII.3: Nebdjefa, Workman and aA-n-a:
Stelae BM 268 & BM 807; Offering table, Cairo JdÉ. 72008; Graffiti Nos. 2134 &
2187; Fragments, Tomb 1319A 282–283
174. B.VIII.4: Sennudjem, Workman:
Theban Tomb No. 1 284
Wooden Door from Theban Tomb No. 1 (Cairo JdÉ. 27303); Pyramidion 285–286
Stelae: Bankes No. 6, Turin Suppl. 6138 (now N.50035), Turin Suppl. 6152 (now
N.50075); Lintel fragment 286–287

Addenda et Corrigenda
175–176. Karnak, Great Hypostyle Hall, Addenda to Architraves 287
177. Karnak, Temple of Khons, Block reused in Pylon 287

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 A bbreviations & Sigla

I. GENERAL
BM British Museum (accession number)
CGC Catalogue Générale du Musée du Caire, Cairo, with number.
Definitive museum numbers of monuments used in the official
Catalogue volumes
DelM, DM Deir el-Medina
EA British Museum reference number prefix
EEF Egypt Exploration Fund
J., JdÉ. Journal d’Éntrée, accession register and accession numbers for
monuments in Cairo Museum
KV Valley of the Kings (tomb number)
LE Lower Egypt
L·P·H Life, Prosperity and Health!
MMA Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession number)
MS./MSS. Manuscript(s)
O. Ostracon
O. BM Ostracon, British Museum
O. CGC Ostracon, Catalogue Générale du Musée du Caire, Cairo
O. DM Ostracon, Deir el-Medina
PAM Palestine Archaeological Museum, Jerusalem
Pap. Papyrus
Pap. BN Papyrus Bibliothèque Nationale (Paris)
QV Valley of the Queens (tomb number)
Royal Name in Capitals Marks Royal Names, etc., enclosed in cartouches in the original
Egyptian text
rto. Recto
S & N Egypt South & North Egypt
S. I Sethos I
TN. –/–/–/– Cairo Museum, Temporary Register Number of monuments, by
day/month/year/individual number
TT Theban Tomb (number)
UE Upper Egypt
vso. Verso

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 Abbreviations

II. TEXTUAL

cj. r(s). conjectural/(ly) restoration(s)/restored

corr. correction
[sic] unexpected, but present in the original or the copy used
tr(s). trace(s), i.e., of damaged signs
var. variant(s)

[……] encloses space for text now lost, or lost text modernly restored
conjecturally
<……> encloses matter mistakenly omitted by the ancient writer
{……} encloses superfluous matter mistakenly included by the ancient
writer; or (when noted) written & deleted by the ancient writer
(……) encloses wording added for the sake of clearer English
˹……˺ indicates signs, reading not fully assured in the original

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 Preface

D uring 1968–1990 there appeared in seven volumes (plus an eighth of indexes) a com-
prehensive hieroglyphic edition of most of the principal inscriptions and documents from
Ramesside Egypt (c. 1300–1070 bc in round figures), excluding purely literary, ritual and funerary
texts, namely this writer’s Ramesside Inscriptions, I–VIII, Oxford: Blackwell, 1969–1990 (KRI ). Its
four-and-a-half thousand pages of hieroglyphic texts were intended to serve Egyptologists as a con-
venient handbook. Naturally, they can only be used by people able to read such texts.
During 1974–1976 and 1982–1990 the present writer built up a complete set of draft translations
of all the texts published in KRI, I–VII (some 6,000 pages in manuscript), intending them for use
in the projected Dictionary of these Ramesside Inscriptions (DRI ). But at present, having other
priorities to deal with, this writer has neither the time nor the resources to devote to DRI; therefore,
to speed things up, it has been entrusted to other hands.
However, as the complete translations already exist in manuscript, it seemed useful to begin
publishing these without further delay, and with only the most essential revision. Given the vast
bulk of the material (twice that in Urkunden IV, for example), there can be no question of indulging
in a full-scale and long-winded commentary. Therefore, the annotations are restricted to a simple
threefold scheme: essential bibliography, general notes that explain the text or its significance, and
(when needed) specialised comments on Egyptological or other technicalities. Originally it was
hoped to keep translations and notes together on facing pages throughout — translations on every
left-hand page, relevant annotations on every corresponding right-hand page, in seven volumes to
match KRI, I–VII. However, closer consideration very quickly revealed that this ideal was going
to be totally unworkable: anodyne texts would have had near-empty comment-pages facing their
translations, while the notes to major texts (however concisely framed) would have repeatedly out-
run the translation-pages. From the beginning, it was decided to set out the texts in full, not smoth-
ered in introductions and notes, and to show them in their true literary format and articulation so
far as possible. Therefore, the entire project has been split into two. Seven volumes (of which this is
the first) to contain solely the translations themselves, laid out properly, in extenso, and seven corre-
sponding volumes that are to contain the relevant annotations, these being just as long or short as
may be needed, with no artificial constraint — so, fourteen volumes altogether. The Notes & Com-
ments volumes are the indispensable adjuncts (RITANC, I–VII) to the set of Translation volumes
like this one (RITA, I–VII).
The basic organisation of this volume and its successors is simple. They correspond exactly, vol-
ume by volume, page by page, to the hieroglyphic edition in KRI. All the texts and divisions of top-
ic, reign by reign, are identical here and there. To facilitate rapid cross­reference, the corresponding
page-numbers of KRI, and every 5th or 10th line-number of those pages are included in the margins
of this work throughout, including to improved or additional matter in the end-pages of KRI, I,
and in KRI, VII. By this means, the user of this volume can immediately find the corresponding
hieroglyphic text in KRI, I; while the student using KRI, I, can quickly find here an English trans-
lation for any given passage under study.
It but remains to place on record my gratitude to those whose kindness has helped me in produc-
ing this volume inside a twelve-month. Thus, my warmest thanks go to Messrs Blackwell Publishers,

xix
 Preface

especially in the person of their Reference Editor, Alyn Shipton, for agreeing to take on publication
of this project, in fitting succession to the great far­sightedness of the late Sir Basil Blackwell who
made possible the publication of the original KRI volumes, and to the good-humoured patience of
his daughter, Mrs Corinna Wiltshire who, with her team, saw that project through to its comple-
tion, and played a welcome role in facilitating the new arrangements. Secondly, my grateful thanks
go to the Leave of Absence Committee of the University of Liverpool for granting me a year’s study-
leave for the Session 1991–1992, during which (despite various hazards) the whole of this particular
volume (RITA, I, and most of its twin (RITANC, I) have been prepared for publication from start to
finish. Thirdly, warm gratitude should be expressed to my colleagues for so unselfishly bearing extra
burdens in my absence — to Professor A. F. Shore (who has twice supported my leave-periods, and
this time using his retirement time), to Dr C. J. Eyre in a very busy programme, and to Professor
A. R. Millard, sharing burdens and giving encouragement. It should, in this modern day, be added
that this entire work has been produced personally by use of an Apple Macintosh personal comput-
er (the IIcx) in conjunction with a LaserWriter II NTX; being a mere Egyptologist and orientalist,
I am a babe-in-arms dealing with technology, and remain most grateful to the cheerful, friendly
staff of the Apple Macintosh Centre/Fairhurst, on the University precinct, for their immense help-
fulness in this special sphere.

Woolton, Liverpool, September, 1992  K. A. Kitchen

xx
 By Way of Introduction

A lmost all the inscriptions and documents translated in this volume date to the reigns of
Ramesses I, founding father of the Egyptian 19th Dynasty, and his dynamic son and successor
Sethos I, at the beginning of the 13th century bc. As Ramesses I reigned only into his second year,
and the reign of Sethos I lasted between 11 and 15 years, virtually everything here dates within a span
of only 12/17 years at most. Ramesses I was designated as his successor by Haremhab, last sovereign
of the 18th Dynasty; the new kings sought to restore Egypt’s imperial power abroad (particularly in
the Levant), and at home traditional cultural values, especially the worship of the time-honoured
gods, after Akhenaten’s short-lived attempt to depose all of them except the sun-god, and he in a
special form (the many-rayed sun disc, Aten).
The Egyptians of the pharaonic period have left us no connected narrative history — no Gibbons
or Trevelyan (or even a Herodotus), although they were perfectly well conscious of the flow of time
and of human lives and events. Their history has to be built up today from a wide variety of written
sources. Most of these, especially royal inscriptions, are written from the particular perspective of
Egyptian religious presuppositions and the royal theology of the role of the pharaoh — he was the
representative of the gods to the people; he, also, had to please the gods (fine temples, ample offer-
ings, fulfilment of what was right — maat) so that they would bless Egypt with peace and ample
prosperity. Pharaoh was Egypt’s designated defender of the realm on the gods’ behalf against for-
eign foes, their champion whose loyal obedience brought victory as their gift. Thus, the war-scenes
upon the outer walls of the great temples (like those here, of Sethos I at Karnak) use history for
theological purposes: here, the king can show himself as loyal champion, and blazon his consequent
successes in that role. Both the scenes and their often highly-rhetorical inscriptions are vigorous
propaganda to that end. Details of routes travelled, statistics of prisoners taken, spoils gained, etc.,
were usually consigned to the administrative papyrus-scrolls — day-books and lists in the care of
the bureaucracy and now almost all lost; rarely, again for ‘theological’ purposes, such details are to
be found in the ceremonial records.
A favourite mode of communication with the pharaohs was the stela — commonly a monolithic
tall stone bearing a commemorative inscription. Such texts, in the same format, could appear on
temple walls (wall-stelae), and out in the wilds on rock-faces (rock-stelae) — in such cases, left
by mining or quarrying expeditions or on military campaigns. Commonly, the royal stelae have a
scene at the top — the king offers to the gods; they bestow gifts on him (and so, on Egypt), or vic-
tory. The text proper usually contains three elements: (i) the royal titulary (often with a dateline),
(ii) rhetorical praise of the king, (iii) then the specific message of the monument — commemorat-
ing a victory, a new temple, a decree, or whatever. Finally, some have (iv) an exordium, concluding
with more praise of the king (and the gods).
The great temples dedicated by the kings to the gods usually had open forecourts with pillared
colonnades on one or more sides; behind, columned halls (often hypostyle, with raised central aisle)
led the way to the sanctuary-suite. Over the pillars and columns there ran architraves supporting
the roof of hall or colonnade. Along these architraves, the builder-pharaohs would proclaim the
splendour of the building, the greatness of the god, their own high qualities, or theological con-
cepts. Such texts commonly begin with title(s) of the king, then the main message, ending with the

xxi
 By Way of Introduction

final titles of the king, so that his royal style encloses the whole, so to speak. Doorways, too, often
bore dedications, and the special names for individual doorways.
On the private level, the king’s subjects were also alive to the value of propaganda, to impress
gods, their human contemporaries and posterity (down to us!) So-called ‘biographical’ inscriptions
tend to be self-presentations in terms of the ideals that the officials themselves wished to be seen
to exemplify. Sometimes they would do so, by using genuinely biographical data to illustrate the
point. On commemorative stelae, either as gifts to the gods, or set up at Abydos to gain the favour
of Osiris in this life and the next, or in the tomb­chapels for eternity, officials and others would
include their titles, mention of their families, and formulae to secure the blessing of the gods.
Commonest is “An offering which the king gives” to such deity/ies, to give various benefactions
to benefit the person, or (eternally) his spirit. After changes in usage from of old, this reflects the
king’s role as provider for the gods and for his subjects, and consequently of the gods providing for
the wishes of a person (sometimes through the king’s gift). In the commonest, traditional versions,
our Egyptians betray a healthy appetite for good, clean home cooking — bread, beer, oxen and fowl
(roast beef, roast duck!), milk and wine — and refreshing breezes, ointment (the ancient equivalent
of skin-lotions and aftershave!), clothing and alabaster table-services. Could one ask for better?
And, of course, much else besides. From this array of mixed data, one can reconstruct genealogies,
family and social history, the sources of the ruling classes of the Egyptian state, and so on.
When we leave ceremonial and formal monuments for the everyday world of accounts papyri
and ostraca, letters, legal documents and the like, then we see the Egyptians more in their workaday
colours — with the merits and flaws common to all humankind, including ourselves.

xxii
 Ramesses I 1:1

1. Sinai, L arger Stela of R amesses I

(No. 244 – Brussels E.2171)

Scene
[Deity, Lost, worshipped by] the King.
Deity: [……… O] King, forever and ever.
King: (Long) may exist the King, [the King of S & N Egypt, Men]pehty[re] Image-of-Re, Son of
Re, Ramesses I, given life forever. 1:5

Main Text
1
(Long) live:
Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull, Flourishing of Kingship;
Nebty-Ruler, Appearing as King like Atum;
Golden Horus, Establishing Truth throughout the Two Lands.
2
Good god, Son of Amun, born of Mut, Lad<y> of Heaven, to be ruler of all that the sun’s disc
(Aten) encircles; he who came forth from the body, victories being (already) decreed for him; 3who
sets in order the Two Lands once again, and who has increased the festivals of the gods.
His father Atum brought him up while he was a 4child, <to> act with loving heart, renewing 1:10
monuments that had gone to ruin, and illuminating the name of 5his mother Hathor, Lad<y> of
Turquoise — one who made a path to her, (something) not in others’ minds. Your mother Hathor
set it in your heart, 6inasmuch as she has granted you (“him” [sic]) eternity as King — O King of
S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menpehtyre, Son of Re, Ramesses I, given life forever.

2. Sinai, Lesser Stela of R amesses I

(No. 245 – Cairo JdE 38264)

Hathor is offered to by King

Hathor: Hathor, Lady of Turquoise. 1:15
King: Lord of Both Lands, Menpehtyre, Lord of Crowns, Ramesses I, given life like Re.

3. Buhen, Stela of R amesses I 2:1

(Louvre C.57)

Scene
[King worships Deity], Amun, and [a goddess] [Texts, lost].

Margins
(i) At Right [… loss …; King of S & N Egypt], Lord who performs the rituals, Menpeh(ty)re, bodily 2:5
Son of Re, beloved of him, Lord of Crowns, Ramesses I, [beloved] of Min Kamutef and given life
[like Re].
At Left [… all lost, except:] beloved of [Amen]-Re, Lord of the Thrones of Both Lands.
 Ramesses I

Main Text
1
Year 2, 2nd month of Peret, Day 20. (Long) live:
Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull, Flourishing of Kingship;
Nebty-Ruler, Appearing as King li[ke Atum;
Golden Horus, Establishing Truth] 2throughout the Two Lands;
King of S & N Egypt, Menpeh(ty)re, Son of Re, Ramesses I, [beloved of ] <Amen-Re, Lord
of the Thrones of Both Lands> and of Min-Son-of-I[sis], 3appearing upon the Horus-throne of the
living like his father Re, every day.
2:10 Now, His Majesty was in the city-quarter of Hatku-[Ptah (in Memphis), doing what pleas]4ed
his father Amen-Re, and Ptah South-of-his-Wall, and all the gods of Nile-land — according as they
grant him [valour and victory, all lands] 5being united in one will in praising his (“your”) spirit (ka),
all plains and every foreign land — the Nine Bows — being slain [under his soles].
6
Now His Majesty, the King of S & N Egypt, Menpeh(ty)re, given life, decreed the establishment
of sacred offerings for his father Min-Amun residing in [Buhen].
[Enumeration(?) of ] 7his [endow]ment in his temple:
Pesen-loaves, 12
Byt-cakes, 100
Beer, jars, 4
Vegetables, bundles, 10
2:15 Likewise, [this temple] was filled [with] prophets and 8priests; and his workshop filled with slaves
male and female, of the captures (made by) His Majesty, the King of S & N Egypt, Menpeh(ty)re,
given life like Re [forever and eternally].
9
Then His Majesty — his mind alert, without him sleeping — sought out beneficient [deeds, to
do them(?) for his father], 10Min-Amun resident in Buhen, making for him a temple like the horizon
of heaven wherein Re [rises]
11
The King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, bodily Son of Re, beloved of him,
Lord of Crowns, Sethos I Merenptah, given life like Re [forever].
3:5
4. Statue Base in the Louvre
(E.7690)

A. Left hand Text

(Long) live the Good god, (whose) obelisks endure in the house of his father Fair of Face — he has
granted him the South like the North, (even to) the King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands,
Menpehtyre, Son of Re, Lord of Crowns, Ramesses I, True Ruler, given life, stability and dominion
like Re forever and eternally.
B. Right hand Text
3:10 (Long) live the Good god who directs the land by his counsels, who secures it by acts of well-doing,
(even) the King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menpehtyre, Son of Re, Lord of Crowns,
Ramesses I, True Ruler, given life, stability and dominion like Re forever and eternally.
C. Upper Part
Lord of Both Lands, Menpehtyre, Lord of Crowns, Ramesses I, True Ruler, given life like Re.

2
 Royal Monuments

5. Donation Stela, Year 1

(Strasbourg No. 1378)

Scene
Amun receives offerings from the King
Amun: Words spoken by Amen-Re, Protector of Both Lands, Lord of Food and Provision. 3:15
King: Lord of Both Lands, Menpehtyre, Lord of Crowns, Ra[messes] I, given life.
4:1
Main Text
1
Year 1, 1st month of Shomu, Day 10, under the Majesty of:
Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull, Flourishing of Kingship;
King of S & N Egypt, Menpeh(ty)re, Son of Re, Lord of Crowns, 2[Rames]ses I, given life
forever and eternally.
(On) this day, the Troop-commander and Superintendent of the Fort, Aia, spoke as follows: 3“I
have (hereby) given arable land, 50 arourae, for the sacred offerings of Amen-Re of the Mansion;
and I have (hereby) given arable land, 21 arourae, 4for this (or: “my”) Foundation; and likewise, 3
arourae for the Foundation of Hatiay, 5son [of X, ……… (and?) …]-mut, in order to prevent 6[…… 4:5
Rest of line, lost ……].

6. K arnak North, Donation(?) Stela, Year 1

Scene
King offers to Osiris
King: Lord of Both Lands, Menpehtyre, Lord of Crowns, Ramesses I.
Deity: Osiris, Chief of the West(erners), Lord of the Sacred Territory.

Main Text
Year 1, [under?] the Good [god], Menpehtyre, […… all else lost, except the following ……] 4:10
[……] made(?) in the district (of ) […… Rest, lost ……].

7. Fragments from Abydos and Heliopolis

(a) Abydos, Temple of Osiris, Horus-name (vertical )

[Horus-Falcon], Strong Bull, Flourishing of Kingship [… all else lost …].
(b) Heliopolis, Block from El-Merg. Left Scene: [King] and Deity
King: [… lost …] · Deity: [Re-Harakhti], great god, Lord of heaven, [……] Heliopolis.
Right Scene: Deity and King · Deity: Atum, Lord of Heliopolis.
King: The Good god, Lord who performs the rituals, [……], Menpehtyre, [……], Ra[messes I], 4:15
[……].
5:1
8. Obelisk Fragment, Copenhagen (NM, Inv. 468)

Side 1
[Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull], Flourishing in Kingship, King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands,

3
 Ramesses I · Sethos I

Menpeh(ty)re, Son of Re upon his throne, Protector of Him who is within Heliopolis, making
monu[ments ………, Ramesses I, etc.].
Side 2
[Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull,] Flourishing in Kingship, King of S & N Egypt, Menpeh(ty)re, True
Ruler, whose father Atum has established his (=R. I’s) mighty name as “Flourishing of Kingship”
in the Great Mansion within [Heliopolis ……, Ramesses I, etc.].
Sides 3 & 4 are lost. Texts of Ramesses IX, see Volume VI.

9. Monuments of Queen Sitre

5:5 (a) W. Thebes, Queens’ Valley, Tomb 38. Frieze texts

Text a [……] the House of the Followers of Horus, coming to(?) be as your (magical) protection, O
Osiris, Great Queen-Mother, Lady of Both Lands, Sitre, may she live.
Arise, lift yourself up, O Osiris, God’s Mother, Lady of Both Lands, Sitre, justified before the great
god, Lord of [……].
Text b [……] the Osiris, King’s Wife, God’s Wife, Great Queen-Mother, Lady of Both Lands, Mistress
of South & North, Possessor of grace, Sweet of love, Sitre, justified, [……].
(b) Abydos, Temple of Sethos I, King’s Chapel, S. Wall below Barque (top register) · Three Statues
First: The Good god, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare.
Second: The Good god, Lord of Both Lands, Menpeht(y)re.
Third : The King’s Wife, Sitre, may she live.
5:10
(c) Western Thebes, Kings’ Valley, Tomb 17 of Sethos I
179
…… Hereditary Princess, Rich in Favours, praised by Horus, Lord of the Palace, chosen one and
(most) excellent, whose limbs are like what Isis has created, when she is seen — 180(one) adored like
the majesty of the Lady of Heaven, offering Truth daily to Horus, the Strong Bull; born [to be?]
God’s Mother, in accordance with her grace.
She (=Isis) has put her arms with (magical) protection around her, protecting her 181form daily.
One who may say anything and it is done for her, the Great Royal Wife, his beloved, Sitre, the
beloved of Isis, Lady of heaven, Mistress of the Two Lands — may she live, may she be young, may
she be healthy, forever and eternally.

6:1 SETHOS I

Northern Wars

1. K arnak, Campaign from Sile to Pa-Canaan, Year 1

(East Side, Lower Register)

(a) Defeat of the Shasu Tribesmen

(i) Rhetorical Text over King
6:15 The Good god, Sun of Egypt, Moon of all lands,
Montu in the foreign lands, who is not repulsed,
Bold-hearted like Baal,
there is none who can retreat from him,
on the day of marshalling for the battle.

4
 Northern Wars

He has extended the boundaries of Egypt to the limits of heaven on every side.
(As for) the hil[ls of the] rebels — none could [get pas]t them, because of the fallen ones of Shasu 7:1
who had attacked [him?]. His Majesty cap[tured th]em totally, so that none escaped.
(ii) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Cartouches. Menmare · Sethos I Merenamun.
(b) Vulture. Nekhbet, White One of Nekhen. (c) Over the Horses. [… lost …].
(iii) Forts and Wells at bottom of Scene.
Fort I. The Stronghold of Menmare, “The …… is his Protection”. 7:5
Below I (at J ). The Fort of Sethos I [Merenptah].
Fort K. Settlement [which] His Majesty [built] a[new].
Water L. The Well Ibseqeb (Ibsob).
Below Fort M. The Well of Sethos I Merenptah.
[At right edge of Scene. […]mat.]

(b) Receipt of Tribute at Town [X]

(i) Rhetorical text over the King
The Good god, achieving with his arms, archer like Montu who resides in Thebes, [strong bull, sharp- 7:10
horned, bold-heart]ed, who tramples Asia, setting his boundaries according as his heart dictates; his
arm is not repulsed in all lands.
Victorious King who protects Egypt, who breaches the wall(s) in rebellious foreign lands. He causes
the chiefs of Khurru (Syria-Palestine) to cease from all boasting by their mouths; his strong arm is
mighty in valour and victory, and his power like (that of ) the Son of Nut.
(ii) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Cartouches. Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I
[Mer]ena[mun].
(b) Over the Horses. First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, “Amun decrees him Valour”, which
is (also) named “Anath is Content”.
(iii) Forts and Wells 7:15
Below Fort (N ). The Well, “Menmare Great of Victories”.
Water (O). The Well, “Sweet (Water)”. 8:1
Upper Fort (P ). Settlement which His Majesty built anew, with/at the Well Hu[.]ututi (@-[.]wtwti).
Below P Fort (at Q). The Fort of Menmare, Heir of Re.
Circular Feature (R). “Wide Pool” ([y]m rbt).
Lower left Fort (S ). The Well (of ) Menmare. Water (T ). Nxs of the Chief.
Upper left Fort (U ). Settlement of [Raphia??].
8:5
(c) Victory near the City of Pa-Canaan, Year 1
(i) Dated Rhetorical Text over Fallen Foes
Year 1 (of ) the King of S & N Egypt, Menmare. The destruction which the sturdy arm of Pharaoh,
L·P·H, made <among> the fallen foes of Shasu, beginning from the fortress of Sile as far as Pa-Canaan.
His Majesty seized upon them like a terrifying lion, turning them into corpses throughout their
valleys, wallowing in their blood as if (they) had never existed. Any who slip through his fingers tell 8:10
of his power to (far-)distant foreign countries — “it is the might of Father Amun who has decreed
for you valour and victory over every foreign country”.
(ii) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Cartouches. King of S & N Egypt, Menmare, Son of Re, Sethos I Merenptah,
given life like Re, and beloved of Montu (and) Astarte.
(b) Horus-Falcon. The Behdetite, Lord of heaven — may he give life, stability, dominion and health

5
 Sethos I

like Re. (c) Vulture. Nekhbet, White One of Nekhen — may she give life.
(d) Over the Horses. First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, “Victory in Thebes”.
8:15 (iii) Fort, Upper left. Settlement of Pa-Canaan.
9:1
(d) Triumphal Return to Egypt
(i) Rhetorical Text over King
Year 1, “Renaissance”, (of ) the King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, given life.
Now, one came to tell His Majesty: “The fallen (foemen) of Shasu are plotting rebellion. Their tribal
chiefs are united in one place, stationed on the mountain ridges of Khurru. They have lapsed into
confusion and quarrelling; each slays his fellow. They disregard the edicts of the Palace”.
9:5 The heart of His Majesty, L·P·H, was pleased at it. Now, as for the Good god, he rejoices at beginning
a fight, he is glad about his attacker, his heart is satisfied at seeing blood — he cuts off the heads
of the dissidents. More than a day of jubilation loves he a moment of trampling (such) down. His
Majesty slays them all at once, he leaves no heirs among them. Who(ever) escapes his hand is (but)
a prisoner brought to Nile-land.
(ii) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Cartouches. King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Son of
Re, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I Merenamun, given life like Re.
9:10 (b) Vulture. Nekhbet, the White One of Nekhen; may she give life, stability and dominion like Re.
(c) Over Horses. First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, L·P·H, “Amun, he gives strength”.
(iii) Prince behind the King. Following the King at his forays in the foreign countries of Syria (Retenu),
by the Hereditary Noble and Count, grandee of who[se nam]e one boasts, true King’s Scribe, beloved
of him, [General??], bodily King’s Son, beloved of him, [Ramesse]s,37 [justified ?].
(iv) Canal, Forts and Wells (from right to left, i.e., west to east)
9:15 Canal (A). The (boundary) Canal. Building before Canal (B ). The Fortress of Sile.
10:1 Fort (D). The Dwelling of the Lion. Middle Fort (E ). The Keep (migdol) of Menmare.
Well (F ). The Well of Hapan/Hatjan (@pn / @Tn). Fort (G ). Udjo of Sethos I Merenptah.
Well (H ). The Well of the District of Imy-aa(?).
10:5 (v) Dignitaries welcoming the King
The prophet<s>, grandees, leaders of the South and North are come to acclaim the Good god on
his return from the land of Retenu (Syria) bringing great and abundant plunder, the like of which
has never been seen since the time of the god.
˹They˺ say in adoring His Majesty, in magnifying his might: “Welcome you are, from the foreign
countries, your attack has succeeded! You are triumphant, your enemies are beneath you. Your
duration as King is like Re in heaven, in slaking your heart <against> the Nine Bows. Re has set
your boundaries, his arms are (magical) protection around you. Your mace was upon the head(s) of
every foreign land, the<ir> chiefs are fallen to your sword!”

(e) Presentation of Prisoners and Spoil to Amun

10:10 (i) Text over the Spoils
[Presentation] of tribute by His Majesty [to his father] Amun, when he returned from the foreign
land of despised Syria (Retenu): “The chiefs of the foreign lands are prisoners, with their tribute
on their backs — of every sort of precious vessel from their lands, of silver, gold, real lapis-lazuli,
through the valour that you gave me over every foreign land”.

37 Replacing an earlier (non-royal) name and epithets: “(X, who traverses] foreign [count]ries [for] his lord”?

6
 Northern Wars

(ii) Cartouches. Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I Merenamun.
[Vulture. Udjo].
(iii)Text over Upper Row of Prisoners
The chiefs of the foreign countries who knew not Egypt, whom His Majesty brought (back) by his 10:15
victory from the land of despised Retenu. They said, in magnifying His Majesty, in praising his
victories: “Hail to you! How great is your name, how powerful your strength! The (foreign) land that 11:1
is loyal to you has joy; who(ever) infringes your boundaries is fettered(?). As your Spirit endures! We
knew not Egypt, and our fathers did not tread it. Grant us the breath of your giving!”
(iv) Text over Lower Row of Prisoners
The spoils which His Majesty brought (back) from the Shasu, whom His Majesty himself vanquished
in Year I, “Renaissance.”
(v) Speech of Amun 11:5
[Words spoken by Am]en-Re, Lord of the Thrones of the Two Lands: “My bodily S[on], (my)
beloved, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare! I put the fear of you into every foreign land, your mace
is upon the head(s) of their chiefs. They come to you, united as one, with a (tribute) load on their
backs because of your war-cry”.

2. First Beth-Shan Stela, Year 1

(Palestine Archaeological Museum, Jerusalem, S.884)

Scene 11:10
Winged Disc at top. The Behdetite, great god, with dappled plumage, Lord of heaven.
King offers incense & libation to Re-Horakhti
Over King. The Good god, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, given life like Re.
Behind King. All protection and life attend him!
Between King and deity. Performing incense and libation.
Over Deity. Re-Horakhti, great god, Lord of heaven; may he give all life.

Main Text
1
Year 1, 3rd month of Shomu, Day 10. (Long) live: 11:15
Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull, Appearing in Thebes, Bringing life to Both Lands;
Nebty-Ruler, Renewing birth, 2Powerful of arm, Subduing the Nine Bows;
Golden Horus, Repeating epiphanies, Rich in forces in all lands;
3
King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare Made by Re, Son of Re, Lord of Crowns,
Sethos I Merenptah, beloved of Re-Horakhti, the great god.
4 12:1
The Good god, sturdy in wielding his sword, hero valiant like Montu;
abounding in 5captures(?), knowing his ability, skilled wherever he is;
who speaks with his mouth and acts 6with his arms.
Valiant leader of his army, valiant warrior 7amid the battle,
a Bast who grasps as a warrior, who enters 8into the mass of Asiatics,
who makes them prostrate, 9who tramples down the chiefs of Retenu (Syria),
who vanquishes 10who(ever) transgresses his path.
He causes the chiefs of 11Khurru to go back on all the boasting of their mouth(s); 12:5
every foreign land of the far 12north, their chiefs (say):”Where can we (go)?”

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 Sethos I

They spend nights, 13made witness(?) in his name, frantic(?) in their minds.
It is the power of 14his father Amun which decrees for him valour and victory.
On this day, one came to inform His Majesty thus:
15
“The despicable chief who is in the town of Hammath has gathered 16to himself many people,
seizing the town of Beth-Shan, 17and is joined up with those from Pahil (Pella); he is preventing the
chief of 18Rehob from coming out.”
12:10 Then His Majesty sent out the First Division of 19Amun, ‘Rich in Bows’, against the town of
Hammath; the First Division of 20Re, ‘Abounding in Valour’, against the town of Beth­Shan; and
the First 21Division of Sutekh, ‘Strong of Bows’, against the town of Yenoam .
And so, when the span of a day had elapsed, 22they were (all) fallen to the might of His Majesty,
the King of S & N Egypt, Menmare, Son of Re, Sethos I Merenptah, given life.

13:1 3. K arnak, Campaign to Yenoam and Lebanon (Year 1 or later)

(East Side, Middle Register)

(a) Victory at Yenoam

(i) City of Yenoam. Town of Yenoam.
(ii) Over the Horses. [1 st Version]: First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, ‘Amun [subdu]es the
Nine Bows [for] him’.
[2 nd Version]: First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, ‘Amun [silenc]es(?) the Nine Bows’.
(All other texts in this scene are lost).
13:5
(b) Submission by the Chiefs of Lebanon
(i) Main Texts above King and Chariot
(a) Before the King. [The chiefs of ] Lebanon, they cut [timbers for] the great river-barge U[serha]t,
and likewise for the great flagstaves of Amun.
(b) Cartouches. [King of S & N Egypt, M]en[mare, Son of Re, Sethos I Merenptah], given life.
(c:i) [Vulture]. [Nekhbet …], may she endow him [with …], with life and dominion, [… like] Re
every day.
(c:ii) Over the Horses and Chariot. [(Long) live]:
13:10 [Falcon-King, Strong Bull, Appearing in Thebes, Bringing life to Both Lands];
Nebty-Ruler, Renewing birth, [Powerful of arm, Subduing the Nine Bows];
[Golden Horus], Repeating [epiphanies], Rich in forces [in all lands];
[King of S & N Egypt, Menmare, S]on of [Re], Sethos I Merenptah, given life.
[The Good god, ……, Sovereign] satisfied with victory; mighty [in power, like the Son of Nut?,
……;] [strong-]armed, who achieves [with his arms, ……, who protects?] his army.
[Hero?, … (etc.) ……]; one [breath]es [the breath of his giving; ……]. More than a day [of
jubilation, he loves tramp]ling (them) down. [… a Montu?] when he sees the battle-line, [……]
his heart is satisfied at making [slaughter? … (in) extending] the boundaries of Egypt. [He takes
Asiatics as servant]s(?), to fill the workshops, [……] conifers [……].
14:1 (ii) Speech of Fanbearer. Said by the Fanbearer on the King’s Right Hand, (in) his reply to the Good
god: “It is done according to all that you say, O Horus who brings life to Both Lands! You are like
Montu against every foreign country. The chiefs of Retenu behold you, and your renown (pervades)
their (very) bodies”.
14:5 (iii) Speech of the Lebanese Chiefs. The great chiefs of Lebanon, they say in adoring the Lord of Both

8
 Northern Wars

Lands, in magnifying his power: “You are seen like your father Re, and one lives by beholding you”.
(iv) Forts. (a) Over the chiefs’ speech. [Town of X, in the land of ?Lebano]n.
(b) Below the Horses. Town of Qader, in the land of Hinuma.

(c) King binds Captives

(i) Before the King
[Captures] whom His Majesty has [brought] off, on his own two feet. Every foreign country, he has 14:10
brought them off as prisoners — Menmare · Sethos I Merenamun.
(ii) Behind the King
Horus, strong in arm, Lord who performs the rituals, and who overthrows his enemies.

(d) King returns, carrying and leading Captives

(i) Rhetorical Text. […… val]our and [victory? ……] Nine Bows. [……] he has/to him [……]
seized? […… Mont]u [……].
(ii) Over the Horses. First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, ‘Great of Victories’.
(iii) Over Lower Group of Prisoners. 14:15
Great chiefs of Retenu, whom His Majesty brought off as prisoners.

(d) Presentation of Prisoners and Spoils to the Theban Triad

(i) Speech of Amun. Words spoken by Amen-Re, Lord of the Thrones of Both Lands: 15:1
“Welcome in peace, O Good god, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare! I set your victories over every
foreign country, and the fear of you in the hearts of the Nine Bows. Their chiefs come to you as
one, with a (tribute) load on their backs. I grant you the lands in fear of you, and the Nine Bows
bowing down at your war-cry”.
(ii) Mut and Khons. Mut the Mighty, Lady of Asheru, Lady of heaven, Mistress of all the Gods — 15:5
may she give all life like Re.
Khons-in-Thebes, Neferhotep, the great god, Lord of heaven.
(iii) Vulture & King. Nekhbet. King of S & N Egypt, Menmare, Son of Re, Sethos I Merenamun,
given life like Re forever.
(iv) Presentation of Gifts. Presentation of tribute by His Majesty to his father Amun, when he returned
from the land of despicable Retenu, (consisting) of silver, gold, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, red jasper,
and every (kind of ) precious stone. The chiefs of the foreign lands are enclosed in his grasp, to fill
the workshops of his father Amun — “by the valour that you granted me!”
(v) Upper File of Prisoners. His Majesty returned from Upper Retenu, after extending the boundaries 15:10
of Egypt, [and after?] destroying [the land of the Men]tiu(?), [their chiefs] being [prisoners], with
[their] tribute [on their backs …… rest lost ……].
(vi) Lower File of Prisoners. Chiefs of foreign countries that knew not Egypt, whom His Majesty
brought off as prisoners, [their] tribute [on their backs? ……].

9
 Sethos I

4. Second Beth-Shan Stela, [Year Lost]

(Palestine Archaeological Museum, Jerusalem, S.885a /b)

15:15 Scenes
(lost — King worships deity, either side)

Main Text
16:1 1
[Year x, month/season y, Day z. (Long) live]:
Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull, Appearing in Thebes, [Bringing life to Both Lands];
[Nebty-Ruler, Renewing birth, Powerful of ] arm, 2[Subduing the Nine Bows];
[Golden Horus], Repeating epiphanies, Rich in forces in all lands;
King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare Heir of Re,
3
[Bodily Son of Re, his beloved], Lord of Crowns, [Sethos I Merenptah],
beloved of Amen-Re, Lord of the Thrones of Both Lands, and given life like Re 4[forever].
[The Good god who achieves with] his arms, an iron rampart on the field on the day of battle,
[who calms(?) the heart] of the people, 5who knows his ability, resolute on behalf of his army on the
day of battle like a young 6bull; powerful lion, falcon of Khepri in the Mansion of the Prince, Son
of Sekhmet, beloved of Bast.
16:5 7
Sphinx-like image amid the foreign countries that infringe his boundary, he has curbed all lands
by reason of the 8dread [of him in the]ir [hearts]. He causes the Asiatics to retreat, who had drawn
their bows — a king to 9[be boasted of ] to the height of heaven, a master to be bragged about forever.
On this day, now, 10[one came to inform His Ma]jesty, L·P·H, thus: “The aApiru of the mountain
of Yarmutu, along with the Tayaru 11[folk, they] are arisen, attacking the Asiatics of Ruhma.”
Then said 12[His Majesty]: “Who [do they] think they are, these despicable Asiatics, in 13[taking
16:10 up] their [arms] for yet more trouble? They shall find out about him whom they did not know —
14
[the Ruler, val]iant like a falcon and a strong bull wide-striding and sharp-horned, 15[spreading his
wings (firm)] as flint, and every limb as iron, to hack up the [entire] land of 16Dja[hy]!”
Then His Majesty, L·P·H, commanded a detachment of men from his ample 17[infantry and
ch]ariotry to turn back against the land of Djahy. When a period of two days had elapsed, 18[they
returned in peace] from the land(?)/mountain(?) of Yarmutu, bringing the impost [?from these
Asiatics?, and] prisoner(s) 19as plunder [wrought by His Majesty?] — it was/by the power of his father
Amen-Re that decreed for him valour and vic[tory [forever?] — (even) the King of S & N Egypt, Lord
16:15 of Both Lands, Menmare Heir of Re, Son of Re, Lord of [Crowns], Sethos I Merenptah, like Re.

5. Stela of Sethos I, Tell esh-Shihab

(Istanbul, Ancient Orient Museum 10942)

17:1 Scene
Amun and Mut receive offerings from the King under the Winged Disc
Under Winged Disc. Menmare (flanked by uraei)
Above King. Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I Merenptah, given life like Re.
17:5 Above Amun. Amen-Re, Lord of heaven, Lord of Both Lands.
Above Mut. Mut the Mighty, Lady of her course(?).
(Main Text is lost)

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 Northern Wars

6. K arnak, Campaign against the Hittites (undated)

(West Side, Lower Register)

[(o) Scene hidden behind 22nd Dynasty Wall — not accessible.]

(a) Sethos I in Battle with the Hittites

(i) Over the Hittites. The despicable land of Hatti, amongst whom His Majesty, L·P·H, has wrought 17:10
great slaughter.
(ii) Rhetorical Text
Horus-Falcon, Strong Bull, Appearing in Thebes, Bringing life to Both Lands,
King of S & N Egypt, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Son of Re, Sethos I Merenamun.
The Good god, strong in power, a hero valiant like Montu;
Powerful one, powerful like him who begot him,
illuminating Both Lands like Him of the Horizon.
Mighty in strength like the Son of Nut,
the strength of the Two Lords is in his actions;
Who stalks the battlefield like Him of Ombos,
great of terror like Baal against the foreign lands.
Uniter of Both Lands, (even) while he was in the nest,
his power has protected Egypt. 17:15
Re has made his boundary for him to the limits of what the Sun-Disc illumines;
Divine Falcon of dappled plumage, traversing the heaven(s) like the majesty of Re.
Southern jackal, fast, circling this land in an hour;
Fearsome Lion who travels the difficult paths of every foreign land.
Strong Bull, sharp-horned, stout-hearted, 18:1
who treads down the Asiatics, who tramples the Hittites,
who slays their chiefs, (left) wallowing in their blood,
who enters among them like a fiery flame, reducing them to non-existence.
(iii) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Falcon. The Behdetite, great god — may he give [all] valour [and victory
...]; may he give [all] life, stability and dominion, [… rest lost …].
(b) King. The Good god, powerful and res[olute?], Lord of Both Lands, [Menmare], Lord of Crowns,
Sethos I Merenamun, Image of Re at the head of Both Lands.
(c) Winged Disc. The Behdetite. (d ) Vulture. Nekhebet, the White One of Nekhen — may she give
life and dominion. (e) Behind King. (Magical) protection, life, stability and dominion. [(f ) Over
Horses. lost].
18:5
(b) Triumphal Return with Prisoners.
(i) Rhetorical Text over Prisoners and King’s Chariot
The Good god, in strength manifest,
mighty in power like Montu residing in Thebes;
Young Bull, the sharp-horned,
resolute, trampling down hundreds of thousands;
Strong Lion,
roaming the difficult paths of every foreign land;
Southern jackal, speeding and roaming,
circling this land in an hour,

11
 Sethos I

seeking out his foes in every foreign land.

Valiant warrior without equal, archer who knows his ability;
18:10 who projects his might like a mountain of copper;
(when) he is pacified, they can breathe his breath (of life).
There comes Retenu to him in obeisance,
(and) the land of Lib<ya> on their feet.
He lets go(?) seed as he wishes, in this despicable land of Hatti,
their chiefs are fallen to his sword, reduced to non-existence.
How mighty is his power against them,
(just) like fire when he destroys their towns.
(ii) Further Text behind the King
18:15 Victorious King, mighty in power, whose battle-cry is like the Son of Nut’s; he has returned triumphant,
he has hacked up the foreign lands, he has trampled down the Hatti­-land. He puts an end to the
rebels, and every foreign land languishes, becoming peaceable as dread of His Majesty has entered
19:1 into them. His scourge(?) has broken their will (“heart”), and the foreign lands are bound before
him; he cares nothing for even hundreds of thousands gathered (together).
(iii) Cartouches. Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I Merenamun.
(iv) Over the Horses. First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, ‘Amun grants him the strong arm’.
19:5 (v) Over Lower Row of Prisoners. Chiefs of foreign lands who knew not Egypt, whom His Majesty has
brought as prisoners (with) their tribute on their backs, (it) being all the choicest of their countries.

(c) Presentation of Prisoners and Spoils to Amun and the Gods

(i) Presentation by the King. [Presentation] of tribute by the Good god to his father Amen­Re, Lord
of [the Throne]s of Both Lands, [when] he returned from the land of Hatti — hacking up the rebels
19:10 and trampling down the Asiatics in their places — with silver and gold, lapis-lazuli and turquoise,
[with every kind of ] noble [gemstone], according as he decreed for him valour and victory over all
foreign lands.
(ii) Vulture & Cartouches. Udjo - may she give life and dominion. King of S & N Egypt, Menmare,
Son of Re, Sethos I Merenamun, chosen by Re in the Barque of <millions>.
(iii) Over Upper File of Prisoners. The great chiefs of despicable Retenu, whom His Majesty has
brought off by his victories from the land of Hatti, so to fill the storehouse(s) of [his] noble [father]
19:15 Amen-Re, Lord of the Thrones of Both Lands, according as he has granted (him) valour against the
South and victory over the North.
The chiefs of the foreign countries, they say in extolling His Majesty, L·P·H, and in magnifying
his strength: “Hail to you, King of Egypt, Sun of the Nine Bows! Mighty is your power, Lord of the
Gods! You have brought (captive) the (far) limit(s) of the foreign lands, and you have bound them
20:1 under the feet of your son, the Horus-falcon who brings life to the Two Lands”.
(iv) Over Lower Row of Prisoners. Mighty is your power, O Victorious King! How great is your power!
You are like Montu over every foreign land, your force is (just) like his.
(v) Speech of Amun. Words spoken: “I grant you all valour and all victory. I grant you all flat lands
and all foreign countries under your sandals. I grant you the lifespan of Re and the years of Atum.
I grant you an eternity in jubilees like Re. I grant you all food and provision. I grant you all life,
20:5 stability and dominion, and all health” — (So), Amen-Re, Lord of the Thrones of Both Lands,
presiding over Karnak.

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 Northern Wars

(vi) The Other Gods. (a) Mut-Bastet. Mut the Mighty, [Lady] of Asheru; Bast, Mistress of Karnak,
Lady of charm, sweet of love — “I grant you the [thro]ne of Geb, and the lifespan of Re in heaven”.
(b) Khons. Khons in Thebes, Neferhotep, Falcon (or: Horus), Lord of joy.
(c) Maat. Words spoken by Maat, Daughter of Re: “My bodily son, (my) beloved, Lord of Both 20:10
Lands, Lord of the strong arm, Menmare — I grant you an eternity in jubilees like Re”.

7. K arnak, Campaign against the Libyans (undated)

(West Side, Middle Register)

[(o) Scene hidden behind 22nd Dynasty Wall — not accessible.]

(a) Sethos I in Battle with the Libyans

(i) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Cartouches. Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I 20:15
Merenamun.
(b) Over the Horses. First Great (Chariot-)Span of His Majesty, ‘Trampling down the Foreign Lands’.
(c) Behind the King. Horus strong in arm, Lord who performs the rituals — may all protection, life,
stability and dominion attend him!
(ii) Rhetorical Text. [The Good god, ……], [the strong arm]ed, Lo[rd of po]wer, val[iant li]ke Montu, 21:1
who fights and captures in every foreign land; a hero without equal, who achieves with his strong
arm, so that the Two Lands know, and so that the entire land shall see (it). He is like Baal (as) he
treads the mountains. Dread of him has crushed the foreign lands, his name is victorious, and his
power is strong; there is none who can withstand him.
21:5
(b) Sethos I spears a Libyan Chief
(i) Rhetorical Text. [The Good god, ……], who overthrows those who rebel against him, who smites
the tribesfolk and tramples down the Mentiu/Beduin and the distant foreign lands of Libya (Tehenu),
[?making a great slaughter] amongst them, [……fall]en, their chiefs, […… under] the feet of the
Falcon.
(ii) Before the King. Striking down the chiefs of Libya.
(iii) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Cartouches. [.....], Men[mare], [……], Sethos I [Merenamun], given
dominion like Re. (b) Falcon. May he give life and dominion.
(c) Fan. May all protection, life, stability and dominion attend him like Re! 21:10
(d ) Above and behind the King. Horus strong in arm, Lord of Both Lands, Lord who performs the
rituals, smiting every foreign land, Lord of the strong arm, trampling down the Nine Bows.
(e) Terminal text. Shall endure the King, Lord of Both Lands, Lord of the strong arm, Menmare,
trampling down the chiefs of the foreign lands of Lib[ya] (Temehu) like Re.
(iv) Prince Ramesses added behind King at Left. Hereditary Prince, Senior King’s Son, of his (own)
body, beloved of him, Ramesses.
(v) Prince [formerly, an Official ] behind Libyan Chief at Right 21:15
[Original text (KRI, VII, 425:6): Troop-Commander and Fanbearer, Mehy].
Added Text of Prince. Hereditary Prince, Eldest King’s Son, of his (own) body, [……].

(c) Triumphal Return with Prisoners

(i) Rhetorical Text, before and above the Prisoners. 22:1

13
 Sethos I

[The Good god who returns, having triumphed over the chiefs of every land; he has trampled down
the rebellious foreign countries] who had transgressed his boundaries. He is like Montu, [he has
taken up the mace, like Horus in his panoply], his bow is with [him] like Bast], his arrow is like (that
of ) the Son of Nut. No foreign land can stand be[fore him, the dread of him is in their hearts, all
22:5 foreign lands have become at pe]ace — he causes them to cease standing on the battlefield, (as) they
forget (even how) to draw the bow, spending the day in the caves, hidden away like foxes. Dread of
His Majesty [is in all lands, per]vading their hearts, [?inasmuch as his father Amun has given him]
valour and victory.
(ii) Text above Lower File of Prisoners. [Chiefs of the foreign lands that knew not Egypt, whom His
Majesty brought off as] prisoner(s) from the ‘foreign land’ of Lib<ya>, by the power of his father
Amun.
22:10 (iii) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Over the Horses. First Great (Chariot-)Span <of> His Majesty, ‘Valiant is
Amun’.
(b) Cartouches. Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I Merenamun, given life.
(c) Vultures. At Right: Nekhbet, White One of Nekhen . At Left: [… lost …].
23:1
(d) Presentation of Prisoners and Spoil to the Theban Triad
(i) Text above the Spoils. Presentation of tribute by His Majesty to his father Amen-Re, (consisting)
of silver and gold, lapis-lazuli and turquoise, and of every noble gemstone — “by the valour which
you give me over every foreign land”.
23:5 (ii) Text before the King. Presentation of tribute by the Good god to his father Amun, from the
rebellious chiefs of the foreign lands ignorant of Egypt, (with) their tribute on their backs, to fill
every workshop with slaves male and female — “by the victories which you gave me over every land”.
(iii) Text above Upper File of Prisoners. His Majesty has returned from the foreign lands, his at[tack]
having succeeded. He has plundered Retenu (Syria), he has slain their chiefs. He has caused the
Asiatics to say: “Who is this? He is like a flame in its shooting forth, unchecked by water!” He causes
all rebels to desist from all boasting with their mouths — he has taken away the (very) breath of
their nostrils.
23:10 (iv) Text above Lower File of Prisoners. Chiefs of the foreign lands of Libya (Tehenu) […].
(v) Minor Epigraphs. (a) Cartouches. King of S & N Egypt, Lord who performs the rituals, Menmare,
Son of Re, Lord of Crowns, Sethos I Merenamun, given life like Re.
(b) Vultures. At Left: May she give life, stability and dominion like Re. At Right: Nekhbet, White
One of Nekhen; may she give all valour.
(vi) Speech of Amun.
23:15 Words spoken by Amen-Re, Lord of the Thrones of Both Lands: “(My) bodily son whom I love,
Lord of Both Lands, Menmare! My heart is glad through love for you, and I rejoice at the sight of
your beauty. I set the war-cry of Your Majesty upon every foreign land. [Your mace] is upon the
head(s) of their chiefs — [they] come to you in unison, to Nile-land, carrying all their goods loaded
24:1 on their backs”.
(vii) Mut. Mut, Lady of Asheru, Lady of heaven, Mistress of all the Gods: “[I grant to you] eternity
as King of the Two Lands, you having appeared like Re”.
(viii) Khons-Thoth. Khons in Thebes, Neferhotep, Horus, Lord of joy; Thoth, Lord of Karnak: “I
give to you valour against the South and victory over the North” — may all protection, life, stability

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 Northern Wars

and dominion attend him like Re.

24:5
8. K arnak. Campaign to Qadesh and Amurru (undated)
(West Side, Upper Register)

[(o) Scene hidden behind 22nd Dynasty Wall — not properly accessible.]

(a) Sethos I attacks Qadesh and Amurru

(i) Rhetorical Text
[The Good god, who slays] te[ns of thousands,] raging [like the Son of ] Nut, (with) Montu at [his 24:10
right and Seth] at his left, a hero [without his equal, a warrior worth (“of ”) millions, [who protects]
his army, a rampart for myriads; [stout-hearted?] (when) he sees multitudes, [he cares] nothing for
myriads en masse; one who enters [into the mass or Asiatics, and who makes them [prostra]te, who
tramples down [their] settlements, [and devas]tates (their] villages [upon] his paths, [a strong bull,
sharp-horned?] who crushes [myriads …].
(ii) Text on Fort. The ascent which Pharaoh, L·P·H, made to destroy the land of Qadesh (and) the
land of the Amurru.
(iii) Text at Right of Fort. Town of Qadesh. 24:15
(iv) Over the Horses. <First> Great (Chariot-)Span [of ] His Majesty, ‘[…………]’.
[(v) Terminal line at Right. [Shall endure the King, Lord of Both Lands, Menmare, arisen upon the] VII,
Horus-throne, and destroying the rebellious foreign lands [……].] 426:3

[(b) Capture of Chief ?

(i) Erased Official. The Troop-Commander and Fanbearer, Me[hy, justified]. 426:2

(c) Triumphal Return 425:13

(i) Line of Text. […… loss ……] according as he gives him valour against every foreign land.

(d) Presentation of Prisoners & Spoils to Amun & Mut

(i) Speech of Amun. […… loss ……] to see me”. 425:14
(ii) Mut. […… loss …… I give you ……] everlasting as Joyful Ruler”.
(iii) Behind Mut. […… loss ……] all [……] attend her like Re. 425:15

(e) King [kneels in Sanctuary].

[…… All texts, lost ……].
25:1
9. Stela of Sethos I from Qadesh (Tell Nebi Mend)
(Aleppo Museum 384)

Scene
Amun (with Seth, Montu, Hathor) adored by the King
(i) King. The Good god, Menmare · Sethos I Merenptah.
(ii) The Gods. Amen-Re, lord of heaven. Seth, Great of power. Montu, Lord of Thebes. [Hathor, ……].

15