Human world
Length: 40cm
Bureaucratic and administrative texts were often written on papyrus, although it was too expensive to be used for all records. Written in hieratic script in black ink this document records part of the trial of men accused of robbing the tomb of Ramesses VI. The text gives the confessions of the robbers and details their arguments over the spoils. The fragment was mounted on linen by Constantine Simonides, a notorious forger of texts. His name appears written in Greek on the bottom right-hand corner of the papyrus.
Papyrus Mayer A and B (named after Joseph Mayer, the 19th-century owner), are some of the most significant late New Kingdom documents in existence (c.1100 BC). They belong to a series of manuscripts that record the capture and inquisition of ordinary Egyptians accused of stealing from royal tombs and sacred places in Thebes. They bring to life the lives and conditions of the poorer members of the population during this dramatic period.
The court proceedings tell how gold, silver, copper and clothing had been stolen from tombs and other buildings. Witnesses confessed after severe beatings to their hands and feet, after which many were imprisoned or put to death.
Gift of Joseph Mayer (formerly in the collection of Rev. Stobart)