Decree of King Neferirkare Respecting the Freedom of the Clergy

Limestone. Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5, 2477-2467 B.C. Reign of Neferirkare. From Abydos, Temple of Osiris. The most famous monuments of Ancient Egypt were not made by slaves, but conscripted laborers. Able-bodied Egyptian men payed for the peace and prosperity their Kings gave them with physical labor. The inscription, copying the layout of papyrus letter, reproduces a royal decree of king Neferirkare (named in the right hand column). Neferirkare protects Hemwer, his colleagues, and their dependents from being subjected to conscription.