Egyptian Literature

Ancient Egyptians decorated tombs with long religious texts that speak of the death, burial, and protection of the king and his resurrection in the hereafter. These illustrated texts served as guides for the deceased to travel through various places in the Underworld.

The favorite tales of the ancient Egyptians were adventure stories, biographies, and mythological tales. Ancient Egyptians also told fairy tales and folktales.

Sages and priests described in literature how the Nile ceased inundating, or flooding, because of social disorder in Egypt. Some authors provided rules for conduct on the Nile.

Major Greek poets moved to Alexandria to be supported by its many patrons and benefit from its many literary resources.

The types of poetry most popular among the Alexandrians were Greek in essence. The poets paid no attention to the local scenery except within the context of how it could be used to praise their king.

Coptic literature took two forms. One form came from Alexandria and was influenced by the Greek tradition. The other form was pure Coptic and generally came from the mountain monasteries.

Translations of the Holy Bible were the most important Coptic literary form, but the lives of the saints and other religious stories also became important religious texts.

The Coptics wrote poetry to praise the angels, the prophets, saints, martyrs, and the Virgin Mary. Stories were also written in verse.

Books by the Coptic Fathers were often life transforming, as in the case of Saint Augustus. The sayings of the Coptic Church Fathers remain widely studied, translated, and published in the West.

The Muslims wrote about the cultural sciences, history and philosophy. Muslim scientists also excelled in books on medicine and pharmacology, astrology, mathematics, geometry, chemistry, and physics.

In the early period of Islamic Egypt, literature was focused on religion. Historians such as Abd Al Rahman Ibn Abd Al Hakam and Ibn Zolaq later began to record Egypt's history.

Literature revived during the Fatimid era. The Fatimids cared about libraries and books and gave a lot of money and gifts to their poets and writers.

Literature flourished in the Mamluk era. The Mamluks established schools and wrote many cultural, political, and historical encyclopedias. Sultans, princes, and high officials supported scientists and poets as a symbol of honor.