File Uphill MSS 4.23 - The First and Last Pharaohs: Menes and Diocletian

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Reference code

Uphill MSS 4.23

Title

The First and Last Pharaohs: Menes and Diocletian

Date(s)

  • c. 2000s (Creation)

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1 folder

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Archival history

The estate of Eric Uphill.

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Donated by the executors of the estate of Eric Uphill in 2022.

Content and structure area

Scope and content

"The First and Last Pharaohs - I. Menes - Narmer; List of possible photos and line drawings"*
297 pages (289 single-sided + 8 double-sided), quarto size paper
An incomplete publication draft on the reigns of Menes (Narmer) and Diocletian. There is a full draft for the first section on Menes (Narmer). This section includes several drafts for some sections, additional notes and bibliographic references and notes. The section for Diocletian is preliminary and mostly consists of bibliographic references and notes. There is also a publication proposal. The whole group consists of mainly annotated typescripts, some handwritten notes, and summaries and notes made from relevant publications.
Uphill's section headings:

  • Publication proposal and preliminaries, 42 single-sided typewritten and handwritten pages, annotated
      1. The Development and Continuity of Egypt between Menes and Diocletian c. 3150 BC - AD 284
    • The First and Last Pharaohs: Menes and Diocletian
    • Publicity summary
    • Uphill's C. V.
    • Programme
      • Part I. Menes
      • Part II. Diocletian
      • Chapters or section headings
      • Line drawing figures: Narmer
      • Line drawing figures: Diocletian - tetrarchy
      • Revised chapter headings
  • Notes used for drafting part of the publication, 66 single-sided typewritten pages, annotated, including:
    • How Memphis became the largest city in the ancient world
    • Notes for chapters 13-15
    • Notes on royal annals, especially the Palermo Stone
  • Publication draft
    • Part I: Menes, 159 single-sided typewritten pages, annotated
      1. Who was the real Menes?
      1. Identification
      1. Egyptian prehistory and 'Predynastic' states
      1. The unification and dual monarchy: infrastructure and government
      1. The Egyptian calendar and its possible links with the unification
      1. The discovery and significance of the Great Deposit at Hierakonpolis
      1. Royal hunting and sports
      1. Warfare under Menes
      1. Egypt over the border
        • a. Menes in Palestine
        • b. Sinai contacts
      1. The great walls of Menes
        • a. General features of the Nile and Egyptian irrigation
        • b. Suggested reconstruction of the Memphite hydraulic works
      1. The foundation of the 'White Wall' settlement at Memphis
      1. The building programme of Menes
        • a. Fortresses and forts
        • b. Towns and royal residences
        • c. Contemporary foreign towns
        • d. Temples and shrines
      1. Apotheosis: the Sed-festival of Menes (Narmer)
      1. Where and how was Menes buried?
        • a. Hierakonpolis evidence versus that from Abydos
        • b. Objects associated with First Dynasty tombs indicating actual burial places
      1. The tomb of queen Neithhotep at Naqada: its architecture and contents
    • Table of First Dynasty tomb dimensions
    • Part II: Diocletian, 30 annotated typewritten and handwritten pages (22 single-sided + 8 double-sided)
      • Bridging section with a summary of main events, etc., in the thirty-four centuries after Narmer, followed by three chapters. These will cover the political situation under the Tetrarchy in Egypt and the Roman Empire in general, followed by evidence as to the position of Diocletian as 'Pharaoh'. Wars and government of Egypt in summary and description of the major buildings erected at this time in Egypt, especially fortifications. [Copied from Uphill's publication proposal]
    • Preliminary notes on Diocletian
    • Egyptian Dating System; Pedigree (Diocletian); Provisional list of plates

*Uphill's description for this group as recorded on the original housing. This note has been retained.

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Kept as received.

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Property of the Griffith Institute. No restrictions.

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Copyright Griffith Institute, University of Oxford.

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No problems.

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