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| The Turin King List. © Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons (CC-0) |
This document, written during the reign of Ramesses II, is unlike the carved king lists found on temple walls. Instead of glorifying a single dynasty or omitting inconvenient rulers, it dares to list forgotten kings, short-lived reigns, and—most strikingly—the era when divine beings were believed to govern Egypt. In this blend of myth and history, the papyrus offers more than dates; it tells a story of how the Egyptians themselves imagined the dawn of civilization.
Summary table for quick reference — Turin King List (Turin Royal Canon).
Why the Turin King List Is the Most Complete Record of Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs
Despite enduring substantial damage, the Turin King List remains of critical importance among Egyptologists, as it closely aligns with Manetho’s historical assembly of ancient Egypt. The list, however, offers more than just a dry chronicle of rulers.According to the document, before the era of mortal Pharaohs, deities from the heavens ruled ancient Egypt for thousands of years.
The Turin King List differs from other king lists, which were traditionally inscribed on temple walls and served more of a religious function than a historical one.
The Turin Canon, on the other hand, was written on papyrus using the hieratic script, and is much more complete and historically accurate. It includes transient monarchs and their reign durations, which were typically omitted from other lists.
The Discovery of the Turin Papyrus and the Long Struggle to Reconstruct It
The process of discovering and assembling the Turin King List was complex and painstaking. Originally procured by Italian diplomat and explorer Bernardino Drovetti in 1822, the papyrus was substantially intact upon acquisition, only to subsequently crumble into fragments during transport to Italy. It was then reconstructed with great difficulty.French Egyptologist Jean-Francois Champollion played a key role in piecing together about 48 fragments. Later, more fragments were joined by German and American archaeologist Gustavus Seyffarth. The task of unearthing and fitting together the fragments remains ongoing.
When Gods, Demigods, and Spirits Ruled Egypt Before the First Pharaoh Menes
Among the more controversial claims within the Turin King List is the rule of Gods, Demigods, and Spirits of the Dead for thousands of years.As per Manetho, the first human king of Egypt, Mena or Menes, assumed power around 4,400 BC. Prior to that, Egypt was ruled by divine entities.
Despite skepticism within the scientific community, this record of extensive divine rule is echoed in other credible historical sources, including various Egyptian King Lists.
When considering the words of Manetho, the chief priest of the Egyptian temples, we must examine the texts where his work's fragments are preserved.
A crucial text is the Armenian version of the Chronica of Eusebius, which states that it is derived from Manetho's Egyptian History, written in three books. These texts cover the Gods, Demigods, Spirits of the Dead, and mortal kings who ruled Egypt.
Many classical writers support Manetho's description, including Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, who visited Egypt in the first century BC.
Herodotus, another famous Greek historian, also visited Egypt and spoke with priests. He references these traditions of a vast prehistoric period of Egyptian civilization in Book II of his History, noting that during this time, there were four instances of the sun rising and setting in different locations.
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How Manetho’s Egyptian History and the Armenian Chronicles Shaped Our Knowledge of Early Egypt
A crucial text is the Armenian version of the Chronica of Eusebius, which states that it is derived from Manetho's Egyptian History, written in three books. These texts cover the Gods, Demigods, Spirits of the Dead, and mortal kings who ruled Egypt.
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Infographic — Turin King List at a Glance
Hieratic Papyrus
Ramesses II — 19th Dynasty
Museo Egizio, Turin
11 Columns
Includes Reign Lengths
What it is
The most extensive ancient Egyptian king list, recorded in cursive hieratic on papyrus (not carved on temple walls).
Why it matters
Backbone for pre–Ramesses II chronology; notes short-lived rulers and gives reign lengths in years/months/days.
Scope
From mythic ages of gods to historical kings up to the Second Intermediate Period; arranged across 11 columns.
Mythic ➝ Historical
- Lists divine rulers (gods, demigods, spirits) first.
- Then transitions to human kings in chronological order.
- Uses headings and periodic summations of totals.
Reconstruction Timeline
- 1822: Acquired by Bernardino Drovetti; fragmented in transit.
- 1820s–1830s: Champollion fits dozens of pieces.
- Later: Gustavus Seyffarth & others add joins; ongoing scholarly restorations.
- 1938–1959: Farina’s restoration; Gardiner’s definitive study.
© historyandmyths.com — Educational use
Breaking Down Manetho’s Timeline of 36,000 Years of Gods, Spirits, and Mortal Kings
Eusebius quotes Manetho, listing the gods of the Ennead of Heliopolis, such as Ra, Osiris, Isis, Horus, Set, and others.They were the first to govern Egypt, followed by an unbroken succession of rulers spanning 13,900 years. After the Gods, Demigods reigned for 1,255 years, followed by another line of kings for 1,817 years, then 30 more kings for 1,790 years, and ten more kings for 350 years.
Lastly, the Spirits of the Dead ruled for 5,813 years, totaling 24,925 years. Manetho is often credited with the enormous figure of 36,525 years for the entire period of Egyptian civilization, from the times of the Gods to the end of the 30th dynasty of mortal kings.
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Many classical writers support Manetho's description, including Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, who visited Egypt in the first century BC.
Diodorus relied on Egyptian priests as his sources and was informed that gods and heroes ruled Egypt for just under 18,000 years, with mortal kings ruling for nearly 5,000 years.
What Greek Historians Like Herodotus and Diodorus Revealed About Egypt’s Divine Past
Herodotus, another famous Greek historian, also visited Egypt and spoke with priests. He references these traditions of a vast prehistoric period of Egyptian civilization in Book II of his History, noting that during this time, there were four instances of the sun rising and setting in different locations.
The Mysterious Neteru and Urshu: Supernatural Beings Between Gods and Humans in Egyptian Belief
The priests mentioned the Urshu, intermediate beings between gods and men known as Watchers, and the Neteru, powerful divine beings who lived on earth with humans and ruled from Heliopolis and sanctuaries along the Nile.Some Neteru were male, others female, and they all had various supernatural powers. They could appear as men, women, or even animals, birds, reptiles, trees, or plants. Despite their extraordinary abilities, the Neteru were portrayed with human emotions and concerns, as well as being susceptible to sickness, death, or murder. Under certain circumstances.
In summary, the writings of Manetho and the interpretations by classical historians reveal a complex timeline that blends divine and mortal rulers over thousands of years in Egyptian history.
In summary, the writings of Manetho and the interpretations by classical historians reveal a complex timeline that blends divine and mortal rulers over thousands of years in Egyptian history.
These texts not only outline a vast succession of gods, demigods, and kings but also illustrate the unique Egyptian worldview, where divine entities like the Neteru coexisted with humans.
Together, these accounts provide a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s conception of time, power, and the enduring influence of its rulers across both mythological and historical ages.
Key Takeaways — Turin King List
- Hieratic papyrus from the reign of Ramesses II (19th Dynasty), preserved today in the Museo Egizio, Turin.
- The most comprehensive ancient king list for Egypt before the 13th century BCE, used as a backbone for pre–Ramesses II chronology.
- Lists short-lived rulers and gives reign lengths in years, months, and sometimes days — unlike most temple king lists.
- Begins with mythic ages (gods, demigods, spirits) and then transitions to historical pharaohs; arranged across multiple columns.
- Provenance & reconstruction: acquired via Drovetti; arrived fragmented; early joins by Champollion and later by Seyffarth and others.
- Enduring value to Egyptology: despite damage, it remains a primary reference for aligning dynasties and reign lengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Turin King List and why is it important?
It is a hieratic papyrus from the reign of Ramesses II that records both mythic and historical rulers. Egyptologists rely on it as the most complete king list for pre-13th century BCE chronology.
2. Where is the Turin King List preserved today?
The papyrus is housed in the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, and is displayed under controlled conditions due to its fragility.
3. How is the Turin Canon different from other king lists?
Unlike temple inscriptions, it lists ephemeral rulers, gives reign lengths, and includes mythological ages of gods and spirits, making it more historical than ceremonial.
4. Who discovered the Turin King List and when?
It was acquired by Italian diplomat Bernardino Drovetti in 1822, though it arrived in Turin in a fragmented state and has been reconstructed ever since.
5. Did the Turin King List really claim gods ruled Egypt?
Yes, it begins with divine rulers — gods, demigods, and spirits — ruling for thousands of years before the first human pharaoh, Menes.
6. Which scholars played a key role in reconstructing the papyrus?
Jean-François Champollion and Gustavus Seyffarth contributed to early reassemblies, followed by later restorations through the 20th century.
References
- Gardiner, Alan H. The Royal Canon of Turin. Oxford University Press, 1959.
- Kitchen, Kenneth A. Pharaoh Triumphant: The Life and Times of Ramesses II. Aris & Phillips, 1983.
- Redford, Donald B. Pharaonic King-Lists, Annals and Day-Books. Mississauga: Benben Publications, 1986.
- Hornung, Erik, Rolf Krauss, and David A. Warburton, eds. Ancient Egyptian Chronology. Leiden: Brill, 2006.
- Wente, Edward F. “The Turin King-List.” In Lexikon der Ägyptologie, edited by Wolfgang Helck and Wolfhart Westendorf, Vol. VI. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1986.
- Shaw, Ian, ed. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. Oxford University Press, 2000.
Written by H. Moses — All rights reserved © Mythology and History
