Innovation No. 30 of 77 in the book
Project Management
Merer’s logbook recorded daily stone transport
- When
- c. 2550 BCE
- Dynasty
- 4th Dynasty
- Era
- Old Kingdom
We have the actual work diary of a man who helped build the Great Pyramid — kept by an official named Merer around 2550 BCE, the oldest inscribed papyri ever found.
It is pure project management: daily logs of his gang of 40 men, where they rowed, how many limestone blocks they hauled from quarry to Giza, rations issued, days worked.
Behind the pyramid stood the ancient equivalent of spreadsheets — schedules, teams, supply chains, all tracked in writing.
The world’s oldest project plan was managing the world’s most famous building site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the earliest archaeological evidence for project management in ancient Egypt?
The earliest confirmed evidence dates to approximately 2550 BCE during Egypt's Old Kingdom (4th Dynasty). We have the actual work diary of a man who helped build the Great Pyramid — kept by an official named Merer around 2550 BCE, the oldest inscribed papyri ever found.
How did ancient Egyptians develop project management, and what is its legacy?
It is pure project management: daily logs of his gang of 40 men, where they rowed, how many limestone blocks they hauled from quarry to Giza, rations issued, days worked. It is pure project management: daily logs of his gang of 40 men, where they rowed, how many limestone blocks they hauled from quarry to Giza, rations issued, days worked. The world’s oldest project plan was managing the world’s most famous building site.