Meketre papyrus, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, ca. 1981–1975 B.C., From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Southern Asasif, Tomb of Meketre (TT 280,), 1919–20, Papyrus, ink, H. 26 cm (10 1/4 in.), W. 16 cm (6 5/16 in.), This letter was written by Netjeriuhem to

Meketre papyrus, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, ca. 1981–1975 B.C., From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Southern Asasif, Tomb of Meketre (TT 280,), 1919–20, Papyrus, ink, H. 26 cm (10 1/4 in.), W. 16 cm (6 5/16 in.), This letter was written by Netjeriuhem to an unnamed recipient concerning the sending of the writer's subordinate with various types of birds. It has been suggested that the letter was in fact written as an excerise, meant to familiarize the apprentice copying the text with common terms and formulae. (Photo by: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)