In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God's Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings. The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God's Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God's Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military. Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:606258 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Naunton, Christopher Hugh |
| Publisher | Swansea University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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