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Instruments of Crime in Tomb Robbery Papyri.

  • Published In: Zeitschrift für Ägyptische Sprache und Altertumskunde, 2025, v. 152, n. 2. P. 164 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Helmi Essa Lecturer at Sohag University, Mohamed 3 of 3

Abstract

The famous Tomb Robbery papyri provide a vivid example of how criminal law was practiced in ancient Egypt. Ransacking royal tombs and temples was considered a capital crime, punishable by death. In this context, the victim was represented by the state. Anything used in the commission of the crime was deemed a "criminal tool," and criminal investigation and forensic evidence at the crime scene aimed to identify such tools. According to the texts of those papyri, "the instrumentalities of crime" used by the tomb robbers included items for opening, smashing, digging, traction, and lighting. Additionally, the robbers used tools to cover up the traces of the crime, such as setting fire to looted tombs and temples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Zeitschrift für Ägyptische Sprache und Altertumskunde. 2025/11, Vol. 152, Issue 2, p164
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Law
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0044-216X
  • DOI:10.1515/zaes-2024-0018
  • Accession Number:189059251
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Zeitschrift für Ägyptische Sprache und Altertumskunde is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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