DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15#0049
HISTORY OF THE PYRAMIDS. 39
It may be noticed, as a somewhat significant
circumstance, that, in the account given by Ibn
Abd Alkokm of the contents of the various pyra-
mids, those assigned to the Great Pyramid relate
entirely to astrology and associated mysteries. It
is, of course, clear that Abd Alkokm drew largely
on his imagination. Yet it seems probable that
there was also some basis of tradition for his ideas.
And certainly one would suppose that, as he as-
sighed a treasurer to the East pyramid (' a statue
of black agate, his eyes open and shining, sitting
oñ a throne with a lance '), he would have credited
the building with treasure also, had not some tra-
dition taught otherwise. But he says that King
Saurid placed in the East pyramid, not treasures,
but 'divers celestial spheres and stars, and what
they severally operate in their aspects, and the
perfumes which are to be used to them, and the
books which treat of these matters.' '
1 Arabian writers give the following account of Egyptian pro-
gress in astrology and the mystical arts : Nacrawasch, the progenitor
of Misraim, -was the first Egyptian prince, and the first of- the
niagicians who excelled in astrology and enchantment. Retiring
into Egypt with his family of eighty persons, he buijt Essous, the
most ancient city of .Egypt, and commenced the first dynasty of
Misraimitish princes, who excelled as cabalists, diviners, and in the
mystic arts generally. The most celebrated of the race were
Naerasch, who first represented by images the twelve signs of the
zodiac ; Gharnak, who openly described the arts before kept secret ;
Hersall, who first worshipped idols ; Sehlouk, who worshipped the
It may be noticed, as a somewhat significant
circumstance, that, in the account given by Ibn
Abd Alkokm of the contents of the various pyra-
mids, those assigned to the Great Pyramid relate
entirely to astrology and associated mysteries. It
is, of course, clear that Abd Alkokm drew largely
on his imagination. Yet it seems probable that
there was also some basis of tradition for his ideas.
And certainly one would suppose that, as he as-
sighed a treasurer to the East pyramid (' a statue
of black agate, his eyes open and shining, sitting
oñ a throne with a lance '), he would have credited
the building with treasure also, had not some tra-
dition taught otherwise. But he says that King
Saurid placed in the East pyramid, not treasures,
but 'divers celestial spheres and stars, and what
they severally operate in their aspects, and the
perfumes which are to be used to them, and the
books which treat of these matters.' '
1 Arabian writers give the following account of Egyptian pro-
gress in astrology and the mystical arts : Nacrawasch, the progenitor
of Misraim, -was the first Egyptian prince, and the first of- the
niagicians who excelled in astrology and enchantment. Retiring
into Egypt with his family of eighty persons, he buijt Essous, the
most ancient city of .Egypt, and commenced the first dynasty of
Misraimitish princes, who excelled as cabalists, diviners, and in the
mystic arts generally. The most celebrated of the race were
Naerasch, who first represented by images the twelve signs of the
zodiac ; Gharnak, who openly described the arts before kept secret ;
Hersall, who first worshipped idols ; Sehlouk, who worshipped the