Papyrus Berlin P. 3057 – Hymns to Osiris

Hymns for the god of the dead Osiris, hieratic | Early Ptolemaic period, around 320 BC Thebes (?) Papyrus P 3057 | Hymnen auf den Totengott Osiris, hieratisch Fruhptolemaische Zeit, um 320 v. Chr. Theben (?) Papyrus P 3057

Date: Early Ptolemaic Period, around 320 BCE

Script: Hieratic (cursive form of Egyptian hieroglyphs)

Possible Origin: Thebes (Upper Egypt)

Material: Papyrus

Current Location: Egyptian Museum, Berlin

Overview:

This papyrus contains a series of hymns dedicated to Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife, resurrection, and eternal renewal. Written in hieratic script, the everyday cursive form of hieroglyphs, it represents one of the latest expressions of traditional Egyptian religious thought during the early Ptolemaic era.

The text belongs to a broader group of compositions known as “Osiris Hymns” or “Osiris Liturgies.” These hymns were central to both temple rituals and funerary practices, celebrating Osiris as the divine model for death, rebirth, and eternal life.

Religious and Cultural Context:

Following the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great (332 BCE) and the rise of the Ptolemaic dynasty, traditional Egyptian religion continued to flourish. Osiris remained a powerful symbol of resurrection and the promise of immortality.

The cult of Osiris—especially prominent in Abydos and Thebes—played a vital role in funerary belief: every deceased person was identified with Osiris to ensure their safe passage and rebirth in the afterlife.

Manuscripts like Papyrus Berlin P. 3057 were likely used in temple recitations, during festivals such as the Khoiak Festival of Osiris, or placed in tombs to accompany the dead. These texts could include chants, hymns, and ritual instructions performed by priests or priestesses representing Isis and Nephthys, the god’s divine mourners.

Themes of the Hymns:

The hymns praise Osiris under many divine titles and celebrate his cosmic and moral roles. Common themes include:

Through these verses, the text affirms that what happened to Osiris—his death, restoration, and eternal life—will also happen to the deceased who is united with him.

The illustrated panels accompanying the text, such as the one shown here, depict the ritual resurrection of Osiris. The god lies mummified on a lion-shaped funerary bier, attended by Anubis, and mourned by Isis and Nephthys.

Other figures bring offerings or raise their hands in adoration, symbolizing the rituals that restore Osiris to life and ensure the rebirth of all who identify with him.

These vivid scenes serve as visual counterparts to the hymns, merging word, image, and ritual action into a unified expression of faith in eternal life.

Papyrus Berlin P. 3057 offers a remarkable window into how ancient Egyptian religion persisted and adapted under Greek rule. It reflects the enduring power of Osiris as a symbol of resurrection and the continuity of Egyptian funerary tradition well into the Hellenistic age.

Taken on  Tuesday 06th of August 2019

Device: Google

Model: Pixel 3 XL

Tags:  anubis | egypt | germany | hieroglyphs | museum | neues museum | osiris | winged man

Genre:  320 BC