Merikare was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the XNUMXth dynasty, during the troubled period of the First Intermediate Period, around 2160-2130 BC. He is best known for the wisdom teachings he is said to have passed on to his son, which have been preserved in a text known as the name of “The Teaching for Merikare”.
Historical background and family origins
The First Intermediate Period in Egypt (ca. 2181-2055 BC) was marked by political fragmentation and social instability. The country is divided between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth Dynasties at Heracleopolis in the north and the XNUMXth Dynasty at Thebes in the south. Merikare came from the Herakleopolitan dynasty, although details of his lineage are uncertain.
Reign and achievements
Information about Merikare's reign is limited, but he appears to have been a relatively powerful and respected ruler. His “Teaching” offers guidance for good government and moral conduct, suggesting that Merikare was concerned for the welfare of his people. However, it is difficult to determine the specific achievements of Merikare due to the lack of archaeological evidence.
The Teaching for Merikare
“The Teaching for Merikare” is an important text of ancient Egyptian literature. It is attributed to the father of Mérikare and is addressed to his son to help him govern with wisdom and justice. The text addresses topics such as morality, social justice, the importance of education, and the maintenance of funerary monuments. The Teaching reflects the concerns and values of the Egyptian elite of the time.
Burial and posterity
Merikare's tomb has not been identified with certainty, although some hypotheses have been put forward. His legacy rests mainly on “The Teaching for Merikare”, which was copied and studied throughout Egyptian history, influencing the thought and literature of the time.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his life and reign, Merikare remains an important figure in ancient Egypt because of the Teaching attributed to him. This text offers valuable insight into the ethical and political ideals of the time and bears witness to the intellectual and cultural richness of ancient Egypt.
Some quotes
- “Beware of lying, cheating, stealing, deceiving, taking bribes, for he who does so is hated by God. Be virtuous and upright, do no wrong, do not raise your hand to strike, for that is detestable before God.”
- “Respect the laws of God, for they are perfect. Do not be selfish, do not oppress the weak, do not despise the poor, do not despise the needy. Be humble and meek, for modesty is appreciated by God.”
- “He who is wise does not speak much, but when he speaks, he speaks wisely. He listens to others carefully, he observes their behavior, and he learns from their mistakes. He is patient and thoughtful, he does not rush into anger.”
- “Be tolerant and kind towards others, for this attracts affection and gratitude. Don't show yourself mean or proud, don't make others suffer by your words or your deeds. Be generous and compassionate to those who need your help.”
Egyptologists translators of the texts of Merikarê
- Adolf Erman
- Emile Gaston Chassinat
- Miriam Lichtheim
- James P. Allen
- Hermann Grapow
- Alexandre Piankoff
- Raymond Faulkner
- Alan Gardiner
- Richard Parkinson
- Henri Gauthier
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
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Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
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Twenty-first dynasty | |||
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1st Persian Dynasty | |||
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