Ancient Egyptian literature comprises a wide array of narrative and poetic forms including inscriptions on tombs, stele, obelisks, and temples; myths, stories, and legends; religious writings; philosophical works; wisdom literature; autobiographies; biographies; histories; poetry; hymns; personal essays; letters and court records.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 2613 BCE - c. 2181 BCEEgyptian Literature develops during the period of the Old Kingdom.
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c. 2040 BCE - c. 1782 BCEThe Classical Age of Egyptian Literature during the time of the Middle Kingdom.
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c. 1570 BCE - c. 1069 BCEEgyptian Literature becomes more cosmopolitan during the age of empire.
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c. 350 CEEgyptian Literature is largely lost as Coptic Script is adopted and hieroglyphic script forgotten.
