Merer papyrus (Wadi al-Jarf papyri) dates Great Pyramid construction to Khufu's reign. The Merer papyrus was discovered in 2013 and is also called the Diary of Merer or the Red Sea Scrolls. The papyri were found at Wadi al-Jarf by Pierre Tallet and Mark Lehner. It documents the transport of white limestone casing blocks from Tura to Akhet-Khufu (the The Great Pyramid of Giza).

Discovered in 2013 at Wadi al-Jarf by Pierre Tallet, the Merer papyrus (aka Diary of Merer or the Red Sea Scrolls) documents limestone casing blocks being hauled from Tura to the Great Pyramid. Inspector Merer led a crew across the landscape, with the text referencing year 27 of Khufu's reign, placing construction around 2589-2566 BCE.

Key Facts

  • The Merer papyrus was discovered in 2013 and is also called the Diary of Merer or the Red Sea Scrolls.
  • The papyri were found at Wadi al-Jarf by Pierre Tallet and Mark Lehner.
  • It documents the transport of white limestone casing blocks from Tura to Akhet-Khufu (the The Great Pyramid of Giza).
  • The text mentions the 27th year of Khufu's reign, dating to 2589-2566 BCE.
  • The papyrus describes Inspector Merer leading a crew hauling stones, spending nights at sites including Shekhufu.
  • The word 'Akhu' or 'Akakufu' is used for the Pyramid of Khufu in other contemporary sources.

Related site: The Great Pyramid of Giza — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.