The Tulli Papyrus - Fiery Disks

Introduction

The Tulli Papyrus is an alleged ancient Egyptian document that describes an extraordinary celestial event witnessed during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III (circa 1480 BCE). Some researchers believe it to be one of the earliest recorded UFO sightings, while others argue it is a hoax or mistranslation.

Though the original papyrus is lost, transcriptions suggest that it described fiery disks in the sky, a mass sighting, and strange effects on the environment. Could this be evidence of an ancient UAP encounter, or is there a more terrestrial explanation?

The Discovery of the Tulli Papyrus

The story of the Tulli Papyrus begins in the early 20th century, when Alberto Tulli, director of the Vatican Museum’s Egyptian section, allegedly discovered an ancient Egyptian text in a Cairo antique shop.

Since he could not afford the original, Tulli reportedly copied its contents, preserving the mysterious account. The transcription was later translated by Prince Boris de Rachewiltz, an amateur Egyptologist, who published it in the 1950s.

Despite its intriguing contents, the original papyrus was never recovered, making it impossible to verify its authenticity.

Translation and Description of the Event

The following translation, attributed to de Rachewiltz, describes an astonishing aerial phenomenon:

“In the year 22, of the third month of winter, at the sixth hour of the day, the scribes of the House of Life saw a circle of fire that was coming in the sky. It had no head, the breath of its mouth had a foul odor, and its body was one rod long and one rod wide. It had no voice. Their hearts became confused, and they fell upon their bellies. They went to report it to the Pharaoh.”

Shortly after, more fiery disks appeared, filling the sky and shining brighter than the sun. According to the translation, the Pharaoh himself observed the event with his army.

“The disks ascended higher in the sky towards the south. Birds and fish fell from the sky. A great mystery that had never been seen before."

After the objects disappeared, the Pharaoh ordered a record of the event to be inscribed in the Temple of Amun.

Authenticity and Skepticism

While UFO enthusiasts cite the Tulli Papyrus as one of the oldest recorded UFO sightings, mainstream historians and Egyptologists question its legitimacy. Some key concerns include:

1. The Original Papyrus is Missing

   • The physical document has never been recovered, and all known versions are based on Tulli’s alleged transcription.

   • Without the original, scholars cannot authenticate the text or confirm its age.

2. Vatican Museum Denial

   • The Vatican Museum has no official record of the papyrus in its archives.

   • Some believe this suggests it never existed or was lost.

3. Lack of Supporting Texts

   • Ancient Egyptian civilization meticulously recorded celestial events, but no other papyri mention this sighting.

   • If such a dramatic event took place, why was it not recorded elsewhere?

4. Possible Mistranslation

   • Egyptian hieroglyphics are highly symbolic, and some scholars argue that de Rachewiltz’s translation is flawed.

   • The "fiery disks" may have been religious or astronomical symbols rather than real objects.

Possible Explanations

If the Tulli Papyrus is based on a real event, several natural explanations could account for the descriptions:

1. Meteors or Fireballs

   • The bright objects in the sky could have been meteors or a bolide explosion, which would explain the sudden appearance and disappearance.

   • The "falling fish and birds" could refer to a shockwave or environmental disturbance caused by an atmospheric explosion.

2. Solar or Atmospheric Phenomena

   • Some researchers believe the event could have been an aurora borealis, sun dogs, or a reflection of celestial light.

3. Symbolic or Religious Text

   • Ancient Egyptian writings often described divine encounters metaphorically.

   • The "fire circles" might have represented ritual visions or omens rather than a physical event.

Conclusion: UFO Encounter or Misinterpreted History?

The Tulli Papyrus remains an enigma—a document that could describe an ancient UFO sighting, a natural event, or a religious metaphor.

Without the original papyrus, definitive proof is impossible. However, its legend continues to intrigue researchers and UFO enthusiasts, making it one of the most debated texts in UAP history.