DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6552#0394
APPENDIX.
355
Pyramids, to the westward of Fostat, was considered one of
the wonders of the world; that they were squares of four
hundred cubits, and faced the cardinal points. One was sup-
posed to have been the tomb of Agathodajmon, the other that of
Hermes, who reigned in Egypt for one thousand years; both of
them were said to have been inspired persons, and to have been
endowed with prophetic powers. That according to other ac-
counts, these monuments were the tombs of Sheddad Ben Ad,
and of other monarchs who conquered Egypt.
Ebn Ofeir, that it was reported that Sheddad Ben Ad built
the Pyramids.
In the " Manahiy al Fikr," by Ialal Uldin Mohammed Ben
Ibrahim Alwatwati al Warrak, the same tradition is mentioned,
but the names have the terminations of Hebrew plurals; Shed-
dak (Sheddad) Ben Adim, Ben Nerdcshir, Ben Cophtim, Ben
Mizraim; and Sheddad is said to be an Egyptian. According to
the testimony of the same author, (907 in Uri's Catalogue), and
to that of Abou Mohammed Mustafa (785 Uri's Catalogue),
the Adites worshipped the moon.
In an account written about 800 A.H., it is said, that Sheddad
Ben Ad reigned over the whole world; that the Adites were
very powerful, and peculiarly favoured by the Almighty; that
they were giants, and endowed with supernatural strength, and
exclaimed, "Who is stronger than we 1" It is stated, that the
Deity replied, " Do you not know that God, who created
you, is stronger?" But that, notwithstanding repeated expos-
tulations and the warnings of the Prophet Hud, sent for their
admonition, they continued rebellious, and were destroyed by the
Almighty.8
Abou Szalt9 of Spain, says, in his " Risaleh" (Memoirs),
that it is evident, from their works, that the antient Egyptians
possessed great knowledge and science, particularly in geometry
and astronomy ; and mentions, in support of this opinion, the
Pyramids and Barabi,1 which had excited the admiration and
astonishment of all beholders: " For what," he asks, "can be more
surprising than these immense buildings, consisting of enormous
blocks, with equilateral triangular sides, four hundred and sixty
cubits in height, and which, besides the beauty of their proportions,
s This is mentioned in tlie 09th chapter of the Koran.—Dr. Sprer.gcr.
9 This aulhor is mentioned by Kdrisi.—Dr. Sprenger.
1 This appears to be an Egyptian word adopted by the Arabs.
355
Pyramids, to the westward of Fostat, was considered one of
the wonders of the world; that they were squares of four
hundred cubits, and faced the cardinal points. One was sup-
posed to have been the tomb of Agathodajmon, the other that of
Hermes, who reigned in Egypt for one thousand years; both of
them were said to have been inspired persons, and to have been
endowed with prophetic powers. That according to other ac-
counts, these monuments were the tombs of Sheddad Ben Ad,
and of other monarchs who conquered Egypt.
Ebn Ofeir, that it was reported that Sheddad Ben Ad built
the Pyramids.
In the " Manahiy al Fikr," by Ialal Uldin Mohammed Ben
Ibrahim Alwatwati al Warrak, the same tradition is mentioned,
but the names have the terminations of Hebrew plurals; Shed-
dak (Sheddad) Ben Adim, Ben Nerdcshir, Ben Cophtim, Ben
Mizraim; and Sheddad is said to be an Egyptian. According to
the testimony of the same author, (907 in Uri's Catalogue), and
to that of Abou Mohammed Mustafa (785 Uri's Catalogue),
the Adites worshipped the moon.
In an account written about 800 A.H., it is said, that Sheddad
Ben Ad reigned over the whole world; that the Adites were
very powerful, and peculiarly favoured by the Almighty; that
they were giants, and endowed with supernatural strength, and
exclaimed, "Who is stronger than we 1" It is stated, that the
Deity replied, " Do you not know that God, who created
you, is stronger?" But that, notwithstanding repeated expos-
tulations and the warnings of the Prophet Hud, sent for their
admonition, they continued rebellious, and were destroyed by the
Almighty.8
Abou Szalt9 of Spain, says, in his " Risaleh" (Memoirs),
that it is evident, from their works, that the antient Egyptians
possessed great knowledge and science, particularly in geometry
and astronomy ; and mentions, in support of this opinion, the
Pyramids and Barabi,1 which had excited the admiration and
astonishment of all beholders: " For what," he asks, "can be more
surprising than these immense buildings, consisting of enormous
blocks, with equilateral triangular sides, four hundred and sixty
cubits in height, and which, besides the beauty of their proportions,
s This is mentioned in tlie 09th chapter of the Koran.—Dr. Sprer.gcr.
9 This aulhor is mentioned by Kdrisi.—Dr. Sprenger.
1 This appears to be an Egyptian word adopted by the Arabs.