Innovation No. 69 of 77 in the book
The World’s First Sacred Scripture
The Pyramid Texts as the first documented scripture with dated physical evidence
- When
- c. 2400 BCE
- Dynasty
- 5th Dynasty
- Era
- Old Kingdom
The oldest religious scripture in the world with a firm date is carved inside an Egyptian pyramid: the Pyramid Texts, cut around 2400 BCE for King Unas.
Column after column of spells line the burial chamber walls — the earliest large body of sacred writing anywhere, meant to carry the king safely into the afterlife.
Unlike myths written down much later, these are original sacred texts on dated stone you can still stand in front of and read.
Written scripture begins on the walls of an Egyptian tomb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the earliest archaeological evidence for the world’s first sacred scripture in ancient Egypt?
The earliest confirmed evidence dates to approximately 2400 BCE during Egypt's Old Kingdom (5th Dynasty). The oldest religious scripture in the world with a firm date is carved inside an Egyptian pyramid: the Pyramid Texts, cut around 2400 BCE for King Unas.
How did ancient Egyptians develop the world’s first sacred scripture, and what is its legacy?
Column after column of spells line the burial chamber walls — the earliest large body of sacred writing anywhere, meant to carry the king safely into the afterlife. Column after column of spells line the burial chamber walls — the earliest large body of sacred writing anywhere, meant to carry the king safely into the afterlife. Written scripture begins on the walls of an Egyptian tomb.