Most of the inscriptions of the pronaos of Esna date from the 1st-3rd centuries CE and thus represent one of the youngest and most extensive as well as self-contained hieroglyphic text corpora that has come down to us. The texts are known for their rendering in a thoroughly local “orthography” that may at first sight be difficult to understand but was designed to give terms (especially theophoric elements, materiae sacrae and toponyms) an ambiguous meaning and was unique in terms of its productivity. In addition, the place where the specific rendition of a word, sequence or phrase was placed seems to have played a crucial role in determining their importance within the decoration of the pronaos, and therefore the design of the building can and must be understood as integral.

In order to create a basis that is as secure as possible, the first goal is to present a German translation of all texts of the pronaos (example: Fig. 3) as well as the special features of the writing system with a glossary in which the sometimes very different variants of all words will be collected in full (example: Fig. 4) and a signlist (example: Fig. 5) for the scientific community. In addition, special aspects, texts, representational and textual conventions of the decoration from Esna are examined in individual studies. The extensive documentation, which shows the already cleaned parts of the pronaos after the restoration work of the Esna project will prove to be of great help and use, so that not only engraved, but also purely painted elements can be included in the work.