Governing Egypt : Provincial Power in Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt

Local governors are well known from their rock-cut tombs in Middle Egypt. The tombs at Beni Hasan, Meir, and Qubbet el-Hawa are among the highlights of every modern tour of Egypt. The course will examine some of the most important tombs from these and other sites, while also exploring the lives of the governors, their families, and their officials. What role did these governors play? How did they relate to the kings in Memphis? How did they manage to commission such impressive tombs, many of which surpass those of officials at the royal court in both size and quality of construction? What were their responsibilities? 

We will follow this evolving model of leadership and power. Beginning with the Old Kingdom, the course explores the rise of local power in provincial Egypt. It traces how local governors became increasingly influential during the Middle Kingdom. Contemporary texts reveal rivalries between provincial courts, while several local families established close ties with the royal house through the marriage of their daughters into the king’s family. Particular attention will be paid to the administrative structures of provincial Egypt. Some governors not only ruled a single province but were also in charge of the whole of Upper Egypt.

During the First Intermediate Period, we see a shift in influence, where some local governors challenged the authority of the king. The governors of Thebes succeeded in establishing their own kingdom, laying the foundations for the Middle Kingdom.

The Middle Kingdom has preserved not only the splendid tombs of the governors but also the burials of lesser officials who served under their authority and oversaw the day-to-day administration of the provinces. Join us for this set of 5 lectures as we examine the archaeological sources to see what they can tell us about governing Egypt and the role, responsibilities and limits of provincial power.