Susanne Beck | University of Tübingen (original) (raw)

Talks by Susanne Beck

The talk will present textiles and clothing in the Saqqara Saite-Persian Tombs Project (SSTP). Af... more The talk will present textiles and clothing in the Saqqara Saite-Persian Tombs Project (SSTP). After a short overview of the SSTP, which was already launched by Ramadan B. Hussein (1971–2022) in 2016, the textiles and clothing found during the excavation will be presented and discusses why some of them are better preserved than others.

The papyrus BM EA 10313.1–2 was originally part of Salt’s collection and came into the British Mu... more The papyrus BM EA 10313.1–2 was originally part of Salt’s collection and came into the British Museum, London, in 1836. At first glance, the papyrus—both pieces measure ca. 6,5 × 51,2 cm—looks exactly like an oracular amuletic decree (OAD). There is only an inscription on the verso side written in the same hand in late Ramesside Hieratic with transition to abnormal Hieratic. The amulet contains phrases to protect the owner, Wermaakheru, who Tanedjem has born. The broken off edges imply that the papyrus was once rolled. However, both pieces don’t have a join to each other and the content is protective but does not pick up on the well-known formula of the other oracular amuletic decrees. In fact, most of the given epithets and phrases are entirely new and otherwise unattested. The talk presents pBM EA 10313.1–2 and shows the similarities and differences to the so far known oracular amuletic decrees as an early or preform of this rare amulet category.

The fear of the evil eye is common through the world and found in many cultures. Interestingly, t... more The fear of the evil eye is common through the world and found in many cultures. Interestingly, there are only few examples known from ancient Egypt, even if sources such as the Temple Library of Edfu state that there existed rituals against the evil eye. The earliest attestation seems to date to the Third Intermediate Period. The talk will discuss this cultural phenomenon focussing on the ancient Egyptian attestation and presenting the newest addition to these spells: papyrus BM EA 10563.

The falcon-headed crocodile deity Horus imi-Shenut is not unknown in the Egyptian religion but ha... more The falcon-headed crocodile deity Horus imi-Shenut is not unknown in the Egyptian religion but has never been studied in detail considering all the currently available textual and graphic attestations. He was worshipped in the Ninth Upper Egyptian Nome and had a cult for more than 2500 years. Horus imi-Schenut is mainly known for burning enemies in his brazier but his nature is more complex and multi-layered than that. The talk discusses the reading of the epithet imi-Shenut, his cult and priesthood, his nature as a god as well as his diverse outward appearance.

Cloth and clothing played an important role in daily life in Ancient Egypt. Besides getting along... more Cloth and clothing played an important role in daily life in Ancient Egypt. Besides getting along in the everyday world, the ancient Egyptians immensely prepared for their lives in the hereafter. Not only provisions of food had to be arranged for the afterlife but also every other equipment one could wish for including clothing. The talk will analyse cloth and clothing in the funerary text with a special focus on the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead outlining the different contexts, in which garments are named and used.

Der falkenköpfige Krokodilgott Horus imi-Schenut ist kein Unbekannter in der altägyptischen Relig... more Der falkenköpfige Krokodilgott Horus imi-Schenut ist kein Unbekannter in der altägyptischen Religion. Bisher wurde er allerdings noch nie im Detail unter Einbeziehung aller derzeitig bekannten textlichen und bildlichen Belege untersucht. Er ist im neunten oberägyptischen Gau verehrt worden und sein Kult lässt sich über 2500 Jahre lang nachzeichnen. Horus imi-Schenut ist hauptsächlich dafür bekannt, dass er Feinde in seinem Feuerbecken verbrennt, aber seine göttliche Natur geht über diesen Aspekt hinaus und ist wesentlich komplexer und vielschichtiger. Der Vortrag wird die Lesung des Epithetons, seinen Kult und seine Priesterschaft, seine Gotteseigenschaften sowie seine unterschiedlichen Erscheinungsformen diskutieren und vorstellen.

North Africa and the Middle East are regions with the presence of both highly venomous snakes and... more North Africa and the Middle East are regions with the presence of both highly venomous snakes and scorpions. Still nowadays, despite health care and the use of antivenoms, the number of people killed worldwide by these ‘venomous animals’ are 50.000 (Serpentes) and 5.000 (Scorpiones) per year respectively. Therefore, the presented paper deals with the medical aspects of scorpion incantations. In the magical-medical spells against scorpions, usually three specific historiolae are used: there is either an allusion to the episode of Horus as a child hiding in the Nile Delta who was endangered by a venomous animal, Horus as an adult stung by his unruly bride, or Ra envenomed by an animal Isis created. In any case, the historiolae are used to heal the patient with sympathetic magic. Besides the allusions to the well-known myths, the incantations include typical scorpion behaviour, such as morphology, e.g. ‘long on back, numerous on segments’ (pChester Beatty VII, spell 2), distribution, e.g. ‘A scorpion has stung her on a lonely path’ (Metternich stela, spell 3), or activeness, e.g. ‘Horus was stung in the evening, at night’ (pLeiden I 349, spell 3). Apart from the typical behaviour, the incantations describe the scorpion venoms’ toxic effects, e.g. ‘Concerning his two lips: quivered, all his (body) parts tremble’ (pCGT 54051) or ‘His body is weary. His heart is weak.’ (Metternich stela, spell 14), etc. Additionally, the paper addresses the question why snakes and scorpions are often named together in the spells with a comparison between the two taxa and their venoms to discuss the ancient Egyptian category ‘venomous animal’.

Papyrus Leiden I 347, belonging to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden (NL) is more than 2 m lon... more Papyrus Leiden I 347, belonging to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden (NL) is more than 2 m long and contains a hymnic magical text on Horus imi-shenut(?). Besides the fact that this text is the longest hymn known on this deity so far, the manuscript is extraordinary for yet another reason: the papyrus contains more than 200 mistakes and corrections made by the scribe. Therefore, it offers a unique opportunity to follow the process of text production in ancient Egypt (copying—reading/collating—correcting). The talk gives a deeper insight into the mistakes and corrections in the manuscript analysing and discussing the type of mistakes (misreading, misspelling, omitting etc.) and the corrections made during the writing and the correction process.

The papyrus Leiden I 347 contains several hymnic eulogies and two recipes focusing on Horus jm.j-... more The papyrus Leiden I 347 contains several hymnic eulogies and two recipes focusing on Horus jm.j-Snw.t (?), Horus of Athribis, the gods in their shrines, and the lords of eternity. It is remarkable that the themes used in this manuscript describe Horus as a book-learned (“lord of words”, “the old one in the house of life”, etc.) and punishing deity (“lord of terror”, “the angry one who defeats his enemies”, etc.) but never mention his brazier or his place of slaughter. Until now papyrus Leiden I 347 has not received the attention it deserves, even if passages of the manuscript have occasionally been mentioned (i.a. Massy 1885, Vernus 1978, Borghouts 1999, Müller 2008a, Müller 2008b). This lecture will therefore give first considerations on the edition of papyrus Leiden I 347, including its religious and paleographical aspects.

Der Leidener Papyrus I 347, dessen Anfang sich nicht erhalten hat, gibt verschiedene hymnische Pr... more Der Leidener Papyrus I 347, dessen Anfang sich nicht erhalten hat, gibt verschiedene hymnische Preisungen und zwei Rezepturen wieder, die sich an Horus jm.j-Snw.t (?), Horus von Athribis, den Göttern in ihren Schreinen sowie an die Herren der Ewigkeit richten. Auffällig an den verwendeten Motiven in pLeiden I 347 für Horus jm.j-Snw.t (?) ist, dass er zwar als gelehrsame („Herr der Worte“, „der Alte im Lebenshaus“ etc.) und strafende („der Rotherzige, der seine Feinde besiegt“, „Herr des Schreckens“) Gottheit angesprochen wird, dass aber nicht einmal sein Feuerbecken oder seine Schlachtbank im Text Erwähnung findet. Bisher hat das ramessidenzeitliche Manuskript noch nicht die Aufmerksamkeit erfahren, die ihm gebührt, auch wenn hin und wieder einige Abschnitte näher behandelt worden sind (u. a. Massy 1885, Vernus 1978, Borghouts 1999, Müller 2008a, Müller 2008b). Im Vortrag sollen daher erste Einblicke in das Editionsvorhaben des Papyrus Leiden I 347 unter Einbeziehung religiöser und paläografischer Aspekte gegeben werden.

The second millennium B.C. was a period of cross-cultural contact between Mesopotamia and Egypt i... more The second millennium B.C. was a period of cross-cultural contact between Mesopotamia and Egypt in which the transfer of knowledge from the former to latter flourished. As a case study for this transfer, the ancient Near Eastern creature Sāmānu—both a disease and a demon—and the conceptual changes it underwent on its way to Egypt will be examined. In particular, this talk will focus on the model originally created by Karsten Heppner to analyze the process of knowledge transfer within a globalized economy. This model differentiates three units (producer, transmitter and recipient) which are involved in the process. Furthermore, it distinguishes different levels for the transfer of knowledge depending on how many subjects are integrated and deals with the distinct forms of knowledge which can be transferred. I will show how Heppner’s theory can be adapted and extended for the analysis of Sāmānu, as well as its applicability to ancient studies generally.

The demon Sāmānu is attested by numerous magical and medical sources in the ancient Near East and... more The demon Sāmānu is attested by numerous magical and medical sources in the ancient Near East and Egypt from the 3rd millennium to the 2nd century B.C. In Mesopotamia, the demon is known as widespread evil seizing gods, men, animals, plants, as well as rivers. In Egypt, Sāmānu manifests only as illness of humankinds. It is notable that both cultures use distinct conceptions to represent demons. Therefore, the poster will compare the similarities and differences between Egyptian and Mesopotamian demon’s depictions in general, and more specific Sāmānu’s.

The ancient Near Eastern demon Sāmānu is attested as human disease in Mesopotamia and Egypt. In b... more The ancient Near Eastern demon Sāmānu is attested as human disease in Mesopotamia and Egypt. In both cultures there exist numerous magical and medicinal textual sources, of which the Near Eastern texts are more descriptive. The cuneiform tablets provide information about the typical location of the illness on the human body, the symptoms, and its prognosis. As opposed to this, the Egyptian sources only report where Sāmānu, alternatively Achu (˓ḫ.w), could be located. The manuscripts do not give any hints about the ailment's appearance, and only in some way may something be learnt about its prognosis. The talk will offer a deeper insight into the medical-magical sources describing the demon as human disease, and will show possible identifications from a current-day perspective.

The demon Sāmānu is attested by abundant magical and medical texts in the ancient Near East from ... more The demon Sāmānu is attested by abundant magical and medical texts in the ancient Near East from the 3rd millennium to the 2nd century B.C. During the New Kingdom he finds his way to Egypt. Several incantations and recipes for Sāmānu and his Egyptian counterpart called Achu (˓ḫ.w) show his significance in Ancient Egypt. The lecture will outline the demon's abilities in Mesopotamia and Egypt and the changes he undergoes through the transfer to his new home country. Furthermore, the transfer process will be considered, as well as how the demon was adapted to the pattern of Egyptian magic.

Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections, Mar 11, 2020

This article gives a brief overview about previous approaches whether the use of the term “demon”... more This article gives a brief overview about previous approaches whether the use of the term “demon” is constructive in Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies. Additionally, the similarities and differences between Egyptian and Mesopotamian representations of disease demons are compared in general, and then the demon Sāmānu/Akhu (ax.w) is analyzed as a case study.

Orientalistische Literaturzeitung, Mar 1, 2020

Harrassowitz Verlag eBooks, Feb 1, 2018

Nature

Orientalistische Literaturzeitung, 2020

The Perseus cluster of galaxies is a nearby cool-core cluster with an intra-cluster medium (ICM) ... more The Perseus cluster of galaxies is a nearby cool-core cluster with an intra-cluster medium (ICM) characterized by very high central densities. The observation of the Perseus cluster with the MAGIC telescopes, during 85 h from 2009 to 2011, resulted in the discovery of 2 point-like sources at very high energy (>100 GeV, VHE) coinciding with the central radio galaxy NGC 1275 and the radio galaxy IC 310. The γ-ray properties of these 2 sources are presented, taking into account contemporaneous Fermi-LAT as well as multi-wavelength data. Flux variability and spectral energy distribution shapes indicate that the VHE γ-rays do not originate from large-scale interaction of the radio galaxies with ICM but more likely from the active nuclei of these two galaxies. They could be both misaligned version of BL Lac objects, the most common TeV AGN. Our results provide vital clues to understand emission mechanisms of such misaligned objects, and how they may be related to the beamed emission seen in BL Lacs. No evidence of large-scale VHE γ-ray emission from hadronic cosmic ray (CR) interactions with the ICM has been found. The flux upper limit above 1 TeV reaches the signal expected by some theoretical models, constraining the cluster CR physics. In the framework of the hadronic model of the radio mini-halos, this limit implies a minimal magnetic field ranging from 4-9 μG for the central cluster region.

New Kingdom Hieratic Collections From Around the World, I, (Ægyptiaca Leodiensia 13.1), 2024

The British Museum holds one of the most significant collections of written culture from Ancient ... more The British Museum holds one of the most significant collections of written culture from Ancient Egypt and Sudan, including the famous Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, a large collection of Book of the Dead papyri and
copies of the best-known pieces of ancient Egyptian literature and poetry. The collection has been the focus of numerous publications and national and international touring exhibitions, but only a minor part of it is on
permanent display.
Addressing the requirements outlined in the call for papers, the current article focuses on the hieratic material from the New Kingdom—excluding the Book of the Dead. The amount of available material is still vast; hence this contribution can only present an overview of the larger contexts while occasionally high-lighting individual objects. Specific dates and references to object publications have been kept to a minimum.
Such metadata can be found through the British Museum’s online database: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection. Easy access to the relevant material discussed in this paper can be gained by searching for ‘hieratic’ as general keyword and subsequently specifying ‘New Kingdom’ in the field ‘Culture/period/dynasty’.
The case study presents several hieratic papyrus fragments (P. BM EA 10720.4 & 6) for the first time. They form part of a fake papyrus roll that entered the British Museum in 1935. The different fragments date
from the New Kingdom to the Third Intermediate Period. Their content is difficult to determine, but most of them seem to contain religious or magical texts, except for P. BM EA 10720.6b, which reflects a very early
fragmentary version of the Onomasticon of Amememope.

The Kingdom of Mummies. Essays in Memory of Ramadan B. Hussein, 2024

The ancient Egyptian language uses different roots or lemmas for the word “tongue.” But “tongue” ... more The ancient Egyptian language uses different roots or lemmas for the word “tongue.” But “tongue” often does not simply designate the organ, but can have diverse connotations. Furthermore, the different lemmas can be combined with other words— nouns, verbs, and adjectives— to add nuance to their meaning. The article presents the different expressions for “tongue” and outlines the development of specific ideas around “tongue.”

The ability of the ancient Egyptians to preserve the human body through embalming has not only fa... more The ability of the ancient Egyptians to preserve the human body through embalming has not only fascinated people since antiquity, but also has always raised the question of how this outstanding chemical and ritual process was practically achieved. Here we integrate archaeological, philological and organic residue analyses, shedding new light on the practice and economy of embalming in ancient Egypt. We analysed the organic contents of 31 ceramic vessels recovered from a 26th Dynasty embalming workshop at Saqqara 1,2. These vessels were labelled according to their content and/or use, enabling us to correlate organic substances with their Egyptian names and specific embalming practices. We identified specific mixtures of fragrant or antiseptic oils, tars and resins that were used to embalm the head and treat the wrappings using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. Our study of the Saqqara workshop extends interpretations from a micro-level analysis highlighting the socioeconomic status of a tomb owner 3-7 to macro-level interpretations of the society. The identification of non-local organic substances enables the reconstruction of trade networks that provided ancient Egyptian embalmers with the substances required for mummification. This extensive demand for foreign products promoted trade both within the Mediterranean 8-10 (for example, Pistacia and conifer by-products) and with tropical forest regions (for example, dammar and elemi). Additionally, we show that at Saqqara, antiu and sefet-well known from ancient texts and usually translated as 'myrrh' or 'incense' 11-13 and 'a sacred oil' 13,14-refer to a coniferous oils-or-tars-based mixture and an unguent with plant additives, respectively.

Le journal des medecines cuneiformes, 2016

The ancient Near Eastern demon Sāmānu is described as a human disease in Mesopotamian documents. ... more The ancient Near Eastern demon Sāmānu is described as a human disease in Mesopotamian documents. There exist numerous magical and medicinal textual sources, which are very descriptive of his nature. Described as a skin disease, Sāmānu is always associated in the cuneiform tablets with specific parts of the human body. The tablets identify symptoms and prognosis. This article offers a deeper insight into the medical-magical sources describing the demon as a human disease, and suggests possible identifications of this disease in modern medicine.

Orientalistische Literaturzeitung, 2019

Finding, Inheriting or Borrowing?, 2019

En détail – Philologie und Archäologie im Diskurs, 2019

Papyrus AMS 23b (pLeiden I 347) gibt den bisher längsten bekannten magisch-hymnischen Text zu der... more Papyrus AMS 23b (pLeiden I 347) gibt den bisher längsten bekannten magisch-hymnischen Text zu der falkenköpfigen Krokodilgottheit Horus imi-Schenut wieder und wird nun von Susanne Beck in einer zeitgemäßen Edition vorgestellt. Der erste Teil der Publikation enthält zunächst grundsätzliche Informationen zum Manuskript, bevor auf die zahlreichen Abweichungen und Korrekturen im Papyrus eingegangen wird. Anschließend wird die Struktur des Textes untersucht und die verschiedenen Motive im Manuskript werden vorgestellt. Den Hauptteil bilden allerdings die Transkription, Übersetzung und der ausführliche philologische und inhaltliche Kommentar von Papyrus AMS 23b.
Der zweite Teil der Publikation ist der Gottheit Horus imi-Schenut gewidmet, die zumeist als falkenköpfiges Krokodil erscheint und noch nie umfassend untersucht worden ist. Nach einem Überblick über die Belege werden die Lesung des Beinamens imi-Schenut, sein Kult und seine Priesterschaft ausführlich diskutiert. Anschließend geht die Autorin auf die vielschichtige Natur dieser Gottheit ein. Ein Katalog mit den Belegen und Abbildungen zu Horus imi-Schenut, eine Paläografie, ein Glossar, eine synoptische Zusammenstellung der Paralleltexte und ein Tafelteil zu Papyrus AMS 23b runden die Publikation ab.

Papyrus Leiden I 343 + 345 is one of the most extraordinary manuscripts providing a deeper insigh... more Papyrus Leiden I 343 + 345 is one of the most extraordinary manuscripts providing a deeper insight into magic and medicine in Ancient Egypt.
The main part of the papyrus deals with the ancient Near Eastern disease demon Sāmānu, who is well known from Sumerian and Akkadian incantations and medical texts. In addition, a broad range of other conjurations and spells against any pain and feet swelling are included. The papyrus also contains two curious spells dealing with ‘falling water from the sky’.
Eight out of fourteen incantations against the demon Sāmānu were incorporated twice in this papyrus. The texts are not only presented as parallel text edition but also with photographs of the papyrus. This re-edition of papyrus Leiden I 343 + 345 is a revised transliteration, transcription, translation and up-to-date commentary.

Der vorderasiatische Dämon Sāmānu, der im Ägyptischen auch Achu (ˁḫ.w) genannt wird, ist durch za... more Der vorderasiatische Dämon Sāmānu, der im Ägyptischen auch Achu (ˁḫ.w) genannt wird, ist durch zahlreiche Quellen in Mesopotamien und Ägypten belegt. Die verschiedenen Aspekte des Dämons – er ist als Leiden von Göttern, Menschen, Tieren, Pflanzen und Flüssen belegt – werden analysiert und potentielle Identifizierungsmöglichkeiten aus einer Jetztzeitperspektive vorgestellt. Ferner liegt ein Fokus auf dem Wissenstransfers dieses Wesens aus dem Vorderen Orient nach Ägypten. Für die Publikation wurden alle bislang bekannten Texte in sumerischer, akkadischer und ägyptischer Sprache zusammengestellt und diese werden in Umschrift, Übersetzung und mit Kommentar präsentiert. Die ägyptischen Texte werden zusätzlich in Hieroglyphen wiedergegeben.

Ramadan B. Hussein’s publication on Ppy-ἰmꜢ’s coffin deals with this extraordinary find from Naga... more Ramadan B. Hussein’s publication on Ppy-ἰmꜢ’s coffin deals with this extraordinary find from Naga ed-Dêr, which dates to the First Intermediate Period. Funerary prayers painted in polychrome hieroglyphs run across the top on the interior of all four sides of the coffin. The inside is decorated with food offerings, frises d’objets, a false door on the head end and a granary on the foot end. Additionally, the front side shows an extensive list of offerings. The back side and the front side contain a number of Pyramid Texts and Coffin Texts in different panels. Furthermore, there are margin inscriptions above the other decorations at the top of each side written in cursive hieroglyphs containing several previously unrecorded spells.
Hussein transliterates and translates the rich text material of Ppy-ἰmꜢ’s coffin, offering extensive annotations that provide new insights into our understanding of Pyramid Texts and Coffin Texts as well as the selection of spells. Elaborate indices, a glossary and pictures of the coffin complete the publication.

Göttinger Orientforschungen, IV. Reihe: Ägypten .62, 2016

Der Band Gebauter Raum: Architektur - Landschaft - Mensch umfasst 13 Beiträge internationaler Ref... more Der Band Gebauter Raum: Architektur - Landschaft - Mensch umfasst 13 Beiträge internationaler Referenten, die im Rahmen der fünften Tagung des 'Münchner Arbeitskreises Junge Aegyptologie' (MAJA) im Dezember 2014 vorgestellt und diskutiert wurden. Die Teilnehmer waren dazu eingeladen, zur Gestaltung von Räumen, der Modifizierung von Landschaften und der Bedeutung des Menschen innerhalb dieser Prozesse Stellung zu nehmen. Es sollte insbesondere das Spannungsfeld zwischen Kontextualisierung, Interpretation und Rekonstruktion von Befunden behandelt werden. Im vorliegenden Band präsentieren überwiegend jungen Autoren innovative Ideen und Ansätze zur Landschaftsarchäologie, zur Architektur, aber auch zu Texten, welche die Korrelation von 'Raum', 'Landschaft' und 'Mensch' thematisieren, sowie zu Bildprogrammen in spezifischen räumlichen Kontexten. Der 'Münchner Arbeitskreis Junge Aegyptologie' ist ein Forum für Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftler, das dem Austausch und vor allem der Präsentation neuer Forschungsansätze und -ergebnisse in der Ägyptologie dient. Die MAJA-Workshops finden regelmäßig in Form einer offenen Diskussionsrunde mit Vorträgen zu einem speziellen Themenbereich statt.

Göttinger Orientforschungen, IV. Reihe: Ägypten .63 , 2017

Der Band Interkulturalität: Kontakt – Konflikt – Konzeptionalisierung umfasst 10 Beiträge interna... more Der Band Interkulturalität: Kontakt – Konflikt – Konzeptionalisierung umfasst 10 Beiträge internationaler Referenten, die im Rahmen der sechsten Tagung des Berliner Arbeitskreises Junge Aegyptologie (BAJA) im November 2015 vorgestellt und diskutiert wurden. Die Teilnehmer waren dazu eingeladen, sich mit dem Thema „Interkulturalität“ auseinanderzusetzen. Es entwickelte sich ein Diskurs zu Fragen um Kulturkontakte, Konflikte zwischen unterschiedlichen ethnischen Gruppen sowie gesellschaftlichen, aber auch wissenschaftlichen Konzeptionalisierungen. Die Autoren präsentieren innovative Ideen und Ansätze zur Theorie und Terminologie, zu Texten, Geschichte und materieller Kultur anhand von Beispielen aus dem Neolithikum bis zur Spätantike. Der Berliner Arbeitskreis Junge Aegyptologie ist ein Forum für Nachwuchswissen-schaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftler, das dem Austausch und vor allem der Präsentation neuer Forschungsansätze und -ergebnisse in der Ägyptologie dient. Die BAJA-Workshops finden regelmäßig in Form einer offenen Diskussionsrunde mit Vorträgen zu einem speziellen Themenbereich statt.

Orientalische Literaturzeitschrift, 2023

This shareable PDF can be hosted on any platform or network and is fully compliant with publisher... more This shareable PDF can be hosted on any platform or network and is fully compliant with publisher copyright.