A Study On Noble Autobiographies Of Ancient Egypt In The New Kingdom Period

Autobiographical inscriptions are an important part of ancient Egyptian historical records.The first chapter mainly discusses the early origin and development of autobiographical inscriptions from the early dynasty to the second intermediate period.From the list of offerings in early dynastic tombs to the fifth and sixth dynasties,autobiographical inscriptions became longer,with vivid descriptions of the life and deeds of the tomb owners.Due to the political chaos of the first intermediate period,the autobiographical inscriptions of local nobles became an important source for understanding the history of the time.During the middle kingdom period,with the restoration of the central crown,autobiographical inscriptions focused on maintaining the relationship between the individual and the king,and it became customary to erect steles at Abydos during this period.Autobiographical inscriptions inscribed on steles rose and developed.The second intermediate period is less well documented in private literature due to the hatred of the Hyksos.During this development autobiographical inscriptions changed not only in content but also in focus as social conditions changed.The second chapter discusses the main contents of the autobiographical inscriptions of the aristocracy in the new kingdom period.After the second intermediate period of foreign rule and division,the autobiographical inscriptions in the new kingdom period mostly reflected the content of political achievements and military achievements.The inscriptions of the aristocracy mainly appeared in the tombs of dignitaries,and the contents of the inscriptions were virtual exaggeration.The autobiographical inscriptions of the military aristocracy,vizier,Amun priests and architects of this period provide a wealth of information for understanding the politics,economy,foreign relations and religion of the new kingdom.The third chapter mainly through the analysis of the new kingdom autobiographical inscription specific content,discusses the ancient Egyptian concept of justice and the concept of kingship.During the new kingdom period,pharaoh relied on maat to rule the country and maintain "justice and order".Autobiographical inscriptions on the military achievements of the early 18 th dynasty record many scenes of the Kings fighting and expanding their dominion.At the same time,the king also relied on sacrificial rituals as a guarantee to consolidate his royal power.The biography of the priestly class described that the king offered sacrifices to the gods,and the king relied on the power of gods to consolidate his rule and position.As the basic moral concept of ancient Egyptian society,maat represented "order,truth,fairness,justice,integrity and honesty".In the biographical inscriptions of officials and nobles during the new kingdom period,it is often recorded that their behaviors were consistent with Egyptian ethics.The Egyptians paid special attention to their own virtues and values,which is why biographical inscriptions like to write merit,glory and virtue.The nobles of ancient Egypt recorded their works and virtues in biographical inscriptions and kept them in tombs and temples,so as to show that they were praised by later generations and achieve eternal purposes.