Around 2250 BC a boy pharaoh wrote a letter bursting with impatience: he wanted a live pygmy.

2250 BC

Young Pepi II promised the caravan leader Harkhuf a rich reward, and Harkhuf proudly carved the letter on his tomb.

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The event

• The boy pharaoh's letter to Harkhufc. 2250 BC · Aswan, Egypt. Harkhuf of Elephantine led caravans deep into Nubia and brought back a pygmy from his last trip. The young Pepi II, king since age six, wrote that he would reward him richly if the pygmy arrived alive, and Harkhuf proudly carved the letter on his tomb.

23rd century BC

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