The Scribe of The Contendings between the Body and the Head (tTurin CGT 58004 – Cat. 6238): Evidence for Innovative Pedagogical Techniques from Ancient Egypt

Abstract

This study of the Contendings between the Body and the Head presents a new edition and the first English translation of the Turin tablet CGT 58004. Closer analysis of the manuscript suggests a more precise date of the text and facilitates engagement with issues raised, but not expanded upon, by other scholars relating to its composition. Evidence will be considered as to firstly, whether the text was written by a student and secondly, whether the Contendings are extracted from a lengthier, no longer extant, composition. Lastly, it will be argued that an as yet unattested pedagogical method, that of abridgement, was being employed. [Formula: see text]