60 
as indicated by the theory, we should certainly find some part 
or other of the building of the Great Pyramid then in progress; 
or, in other words, the operation itself would be abundantly 
visible from that computed point of time — even as the conse- 
quences of the operation are to be seen now, from the similarly 
computed point of space.” 
39. Between the first colonization of Egypt and the rise of 
the twefth Dynasty, the Turin papyrus allows an interval of 
355 years; for we have authority in affirming that the sixth 
Dynasty was immediately succeeded by the twelfth ; and this is 
a very important help towards a correct understanding of early 
Egyptian chronology. Mariette Bey, one of the highest of 
living authorities in such matters, discovered at Memphis a 
priest’s tomb containing forty cartouches showing that the 
twelfth Dynasty was in immediate sequence to the sixth ; all 
the intermediate ones mentioned by Manetho, which add so 
many years to his prolonged and incredible system of chrono- 
logy, occupying the same position as our Saxon kings during 
the Heptarchy previous to the monarchy of Alfred the Great. 
40. Osburn, in his “Monumental History of Egypt” (vol. i. 
ch. vii.), has adduced strong evidence in favour of Abraham’s 
visit to Egypt occurring just previous to the accession of the 
twelfth Dynasty ; and, according to our Biblical chronology, 
about the year 2010 B.C. Josephus, who lived when the temple 
records of Egypt still existed, relates that Abraham taught the 
Egyptians “ arithmetic and the science of astronomy, for before 
he went to Egypt they were unacquainted with that sort of 
learning.”* Berosus and Eupolemus, both of whom flourished 
about three centuries before Josephus, confirm this statement 
respecting Abraham. And Osburn states that there does not 
exist a single record of any Pharaoh, or subject with a dale 
previous to the time of Pharaoh Amenemes I., head of the 
twelfth Dynasty, whereas tablets belonging to his reign with 
dates inscribed upon them are not uncommon. Now in the 
sepulchral grottos of Bennee Hasan, on the banks of the Nile, 
there are still to be seen certain inscriptions belonging to the 
early kings of the twelfth Dynasty. Special mention is there 
made of what is termed “ The Panegyry or Festival of the 
First Year”; which Poolcf considers to refer to the commence- 
ment of the tropical cycle , i.e. a perfectly exact circle of the 
sun, moon, and vague year, and which he proves by an elaborate 
* Josephus, Antup, I. viii. § G. 
t Poole’s Jlorce AEgypt ., pt. i. § 1 J . 
