ABSTRACT
In this paper, we examine the accounts in Book 2 so as to access Herodotus effective knowledge of Egyptian temples. Although presenting an accurate portrait of the land and the people, Herodotus’ texts betray an insufficient understanding of the local priestly traditions which probably resulted from an unwelcoming reception by the Egyptian priests. Memphis, stands out as an exception in this panorama, providing Herodotus with a direct contact with the historical sources which later on would be brilliantly used by Manetho to write his History of Egypt.
