The Egyptian Book of the Dead was discovered in about 4266 BC. Being discovered "in the reign of Hesep-ti, the fifth king of the first dynasty, about 4266 BC." The discovery of the oldest known chapter in the Egyptian Book of the Dead comes directly from the Book of the Dead itself:

"This chapter was found in the city of Hermonolis upon a slab of iron inscribed with lapis-lazuli (an aluminous mineral of rich blue color used by Tubal-Cain and others early artificers) found by the royal son Heru-Tata-F in his inspection of the temples, he brought it to the King when he saw that it was a mystery great unseen and unbeheld."

The text in the Book of the Dead goes on to say that the slab of iron, inlaid with lapis-luzuli, was discovered in "the foundation deposit" of an old temple under repair by the foremen of the builders.

Reference: "Egyptian Book of the Dead", E. A. Wallis Budge translation, pg. xiii, Introduction.

Personally, I believe the Egyptian Book of the Dead is more than just a mere compiling of religious rites and funerary rituals. A question comes to mind here. If what was historically recorded by the Egyptian's at the 4266 BC time period is indeed correct, who at that time period knew how to make iron? Wallis Budge also documents the fact that the early Egyptian scribes who copied the writings, as was Egyptian practice, engraved in the iron by a master "were perplexed and hardly understood the texts which they had before them. When this 'Cabbalah' was brought to the Pharoah, the people went to hear the public reading of this mysterious writings, but understood it not."

Surely makes one wonder.

regards
seekerof

[Edited on 29-6-2003 by Seekerof]

[Edited on 30-6-2003 by Seekerof]