‘Socializing’ the sacred space: graffiti and appeals to the living in New Kingdom Karnak

This study explores the social interactions within the sacred space of the Amun temple at Karnak during the New Kingdom (ca. 1539–1077 BCE). It investigates two underexplored sources of evidence: graffiti and appeals to the living. These forms of material culture reveal traces of individuals, including lower-ranking priests, scribes, and other temple personnel, whose presence and actions are rarely represented in official temple texts and decorations. By analyzing these inscriptions, the paper demonstrates how such ephemeral traces facilitated both horizontal and vertical social connections within the temple. Graffiti, often clustered and interactive, suggest dynamic dialogues among temple occupants, while appeals, primarily found on statues and stelae, reflect elite attempts to engage with temple staff and the broader sacred landscape. Together, these findings highlight the Amun temple as a microcosm of social relationships, underscoring the active human agency that shaped the temple as a lived space. This approach provides new insights into the broader cultural and religious practices in ancient Egypt, emphasizing the interplay between sacred spaces and everyday human interactions