The Tulli Papyrus, an enigmatic ancient Egyptian text, is often cited as compelling evidence of a large-scale UFO sighting that allegedly took place around 1480 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III. The papyrus describes an extraordinary event in vivid detail:

“They were more numerous than anything else. They were shining in the sky brighter than the sun to the limits of the four supports of the heavens […] powerful was the position of the fiery disks.”

The connection between ancient Egypt and mysterious deities has long been a topic of fascination. Known for their achievements in architecture, astronomy, and engineering, the ancient Egyptians possessed a sophisticated understanding of science and technology. However, some wonder—where did this knowledge come from? Who were the enigmatic “gods” and “demigods” described in ancient texts?

While most are familiar with artifacts like the Turin Canon or the Palermo Stone, few know about the Tulli Papyrus. Interestingly, the Tulli Papyrus is not a true papyrus document but a translation of a modern transcription, reportedly based on an ancient Egyptian manuscript that appears to document a fiery UFO phenomenon.

The Origins of the Tulli Papyrus
The Tulli Papyrus was originally in the possession of Professor Alberto Tulli, former director of the Egyptian Museum at the Vatican. The document, often described as “the oldest known record of a fleet of flying saucers,” is attributed to Thutmose III’s era. Translated by Prince Boris de Rachewiltz, the text reads like a chronicle from Thutmose’s annals. However, the absence of the pharaoh’s name in the papyrus adds an air of mystery to the text.

The most intriguing element of the papyrus is the description of fiery “circles” or “disks” appearing in the sky over Egypt on two separate occasions within a few days. Although skeptics have questioned de Rachewiltz’s qualifications, his reputation as a respected scholar and the authenticity of the document have endured.

Ancient Descriptions of Fiery Disks in the Sky
De Rachewiltz’s translation of the Tulli Papyrus offers detailed descriptions of the phenomena:

“In the year 22, the third month of winter, sixth hour of the day, among the scribes of the House of Life, it was found that a circle of fire was coming from the sky. […] It had no head, and the width of its mouth had a foul odor. Its body was a rod in length (about 46 meters) and a rod in height. […] Their hearts became confused; then they lay upon their bellies […] they went to report it to (the King). His Majesty ordered […] it was examined […] His Majesty meditated on everything that happened, which was recorded on the scrolls of the House of Life.”

Days later, the sightings increased in intensity:

“Now, after some days had passed, these things became more numerous in the sky than ever before. They shone in the sky brighter than the sun, extending to the limits of the four pillars of the heavens. The position of the fiery circles was powerful.”

Prince de Rachewiltz was not the only one to translate the papyrus. Anthropologist R. Cedric Leonard also offered a translation, describing “burning disks” instead of “fiery circles”:

“In the year 22, the third month of winter, sixth hour of the day, a strange burning disk was observed coming from the sky. […] It had no head, and the width of its mouth emitted a repugnant smell. Its body was about 46 meters long and wide. […] Their hearts became confused with this, and they lay on their bellies […] The King ordered the manuscripts in the House of Life to be consulted. His Majesty meditated on all the events happening.”

After some days, the “disks” reportedly increased in number:

“After some days, they became more numerous than ever before in the sky. They shone brighter than the sun, stretching to the limits of the four pillars of the heavens. […] The King’s army observed them, with His Majesty in their midst. They ascended higher in the sky toward the south. Fish and birds fell from the sky […] and His Majesty ordered incense to be brought to calm the heart of Amun-Re, the god of the Two Lands. The event was recorded by His Majesty in the annals of the House of Life to be remembered for eternity.”

Was This Event Truly a UFO Sighting?
According to the Tulli Papyrus, this remarkable sighting happened under Pharaoh Thutmose III. The detailed account was preserved as a significant event, one so extraordinary it was marked for future generations.

Ancient Egyptian astronomers were highly skilled, and by 1500 BCE, they had an advanced understanding of celestial phenomena. It is therefore unlikely that they would have mistaken an astronomical or meteorological event for “fiery disks” in the sky. Descriptions in the Tulli Papyrus specify that these objects moved across the sky in various directions, implying they remained airborne, not falling to the earth.

The Tulli Papyrus remains an intriguing record, challenging our understanding of ancient Egypt’s knowledge of the cosmos. Could these “fiery disks” represent an ancient UFO sighting? This question continues to spark debate, as the papyrus tantalizes modern readers with the idea that ancient Egyptians may have recorded encounters with otherworldly phenomena.