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The Book of Caverns

Various Authors

Translator: Erik Hornung (1979)
New Kingdom of Egypt (c. 1550–1070 BCE)
The Book of Caverns
Archive.org

"The Book of Caverns" is an ancient Egyptian funerary text dating from the New Kingdom period. It describes the journey of the sun god Ra through the six caverns of the underworld, focusing on the interaction between Ra and the inhabitants of the netherworld. The text emphasizes the rewards for the righteous and the punishments for those who fail their judgment in the afterlife. It provides detailed insights into the Egyptian concept of hell and the topographical structure of the underworld.

Erik Hornung's translation offers a comprehensive and accessible version of these ancient texts, shedding light on the religious beliefs, rituals, and cultural practices of ancient Egypt. This volume is an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mythology and funerary practices.

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