Pharaohs and their image (with particular reference to the warrior pharaohs)
The Pharaohs maintained many different images, these images played vital roles within New Kingdom Egypt. These images consisted of; Pharaoh as the Chief Priest of the Gods, Pharaoh as Chief Judge, Pharaoh as Administrator and Pharaoh as a Military/Warrior leader. All of these images were important to uphold Maat in Egypt.
An important image maintained by the Pharaoh was that of chief priest of all the gods. To be high priest was the most important function of the Pharaoh. This role was significant because when the pharaoh maintained a good relationship between the gods and Egypt, Maat was guaranteed. The Pharaoh acted as a channel of divine power, who performed religious rituals. Evidence to support these claims are depicted in wall paintings; validating that the Pharaohs participated in some daily rituals. Of course most of these tasks were carried out by the priests, on behalf of the Pharaoh. These ceremonies and rituals were not accessible to common people. Daily rituals consisted of cleaning, anointing and clothing the image of the god then offering this symbolic figure, food and drink. Religious festivals were also held, an important festival was called the Heb-sed which renewed the Pharaohs powers to rule. This festival was held on the anniversary of the Pharaohs accession. Some examples of Pharaohs who were portrayed having strong bond with Gods were Ahmose and Hatshepsut. After Ahmoses victory over the Hyksos, he dedicated all his success to Amun. Where as Hatshepsut maintained a strong relationship with Amun and the other gods throughout her co-regencey and rule.
Another role the Pharaohs played was that of chief judge and lawmaker. The Pharaohs image in regards to lawmaker, meant that he/she was responsible for maintaining Maat. Maat consisted of the right order of things where nature was in balance and Egypt was prosperous and secure; this was conceived as a state of harmony and good order of gods and humans. Within Egypt there were no written laws, it was therefore the Pharaohs responsibility to govern all the laws. These were done to keep order, righteousness, justice and truth. Symbols of the Pharaohs power and legitimate right to govern; were the crook, flail or mace. Ahmose (the first Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty) embarked on several campaigns merely to restore order and re-establish his authority within Egypt after Hyksos domination.
The Pharaoh also played the role of administrator. The Pharaoh was responsible for everything undertaken in Egypt. The image of administrator was represented as a ruler who ensured that all the land was productive, commerce was profitable and the community shared all of the prosperity. Although this was another important role, the king was detached from the tedious details of administration. The Viziers and officials carried out these duties. The Pharaoh Thutmose 1 established the first administration system in Nubia and appointed a viceroy, after his extensive military campaigns.
The Pharaoh was also a commander in charge of the army and navy. It was the Pharaohs duty to preserve maat by keeping foreign people out of Egypt. Some of the New Kingdom rulers have been referred to as Warrior Pharaohs. The first prominent ruler to portray the warrior Pharaoh image was that of Ahmose. He achieved this status from his grand military campaigns that inevitably expelled the Hyksos invaders. Thutmose 1 was a mighty warrior Pharaoh who, extended Egypts conquests far into the north and south. Thutmose 1 undertook vigorous military campaigns and hunted elephants for sport. All of this increased his Warrior image. The daughter of Thutmose 1, Hatshepsut (the first female Pharaoh) considered herself to be a traditional warrior pharaoh sphinx, as written in her Speo Artemidos inscription. But many Historians ignore fragmentary evidence to support Hatshepsuts involvement in a military campaign. Also during Hatshepsuts reign, there were many years of peace, due to her ancestors victories; thus the warrior Pharaoh image was lost. Thutmose 111, was perhaps the greatest of all the warrior Pharaohs. Thutmose 111 undertook apparently seventeen campaigns which were victorious. This young Pharaoh showed generalship of a high order, making unpopular decisions and being proved right, and planning his attack in such a way that he chose his own ground and left the enemy at a disadvantage. Thutmose 111 has been called The Napoleon of Ancient Egypt but with some justice. He was a fantastic fighting general and inspired his successors such as Sethi 1 and Ramesses 11 and 111. Like his successors, Amenhotep 11 was an impressive warrior Pharaoh who undertook many campaigns. Also Thutmose 1V extended Egypts boundaries and increased its power, wealth and greatness.
Roles of Queens from Tetisheri to Hatshepsut
The Queens of the 18th Dynasty played very powerful and influential roles. These included; assisting the Pharaoh with his reign, acting in military campaigns and associating themselves with the gods.
Queen Tetisheri came from non-royal parents (pharaohs usually married princesses and frequently including their own sisters, which preserved family unity). She is also considered by some historians a the founder of the 18th Dynasty. Tetisheri was a woman who initiated the tradition of strong and powerful queens which continued throughout the 18th dynasty. It is suggested that she was the wife of Seqenenre Tao 1 and mother of Seqenenre Tao 11.
Tetisheri was given titles and important roles. She is depicted wearing a vulture headdress and carrying a sceptre. She had many buildings; a Mortuary temple, Chapel, Pyramid, house of Tazeser. Her most important role was assisting the Pharaoh. Tetisheri was very long-lived and during this time aided her husband, her son Seqenenre Tao 11 and her grandson Ahmose in their reigns. Indications of her power are that she carried the symbols of a queen and she had much respect from Ahmose, her grandson. Ahmose makes a dedication to her on his stela at Abydos. Her grandson Ahmose, held Tetisheri in high regard, evidence to suggest this is on Ahmoses limestone stela at abydos where he dedicates her tributes. Also he built a mortuary building because he so greatly loved her, beyond everything.
Queen Ahhotep, was the daughter of Queen Tetisheri and perhaps the wife to Seqenenre Tao 11. She had the title of Gods wife of Amun and her tomb was situated at Dira-abou-el-Naga. Ahhotep played a major political role during the unsettled years of Hyksos supremacy. She was thought to be the mother of Ahmose, and may have acted as regent during his first years of reign. Evidence to support her relation to Ahmose, is found on the doorway of a temple at Buhen, her name is inscribed. Also on Ahmoses karnak stela, he suggests that she may have suppressed a rebellion in Upper Egypt during the Hyksos war. Another piece of evidence to support her military role, perhaps warrior queen is a pendant plated in god that has three golden flies. It is thought this was the gold of valour given as a reward to achievements in military campaigns. Thus many historians conclude, she acted as a warrior queen, assisting her pharaoh in his campaigns.
Ahhotep maintained a strong relationship with the gods and was closely associated with Amun-Re. Ahhotep is depicted with many possessions; a bracelet, chains, mirror, axe, dagger and ship. Ahhotep played a political role throughout her term as Queen, she was also buried near the valley of the kings. Evidence about her was found on Ahmoses stela and in her tomb goods.
Queen Ahmose-Nefertiri held many titles including; Gods wife of Amun, Second prophet of Amun, Kings daughter, Kings sister, Divine consort and great wife. It appears she played an important role during her husband (Ahmoses) reign. She also lived during her son, Amenhoteps reign where she was closely linked to the cult of Amenhotep 1 where she may have held a high position. Her buildings were, a mortuary temple and tomb. Her relationship with the gods was strong, she was closely associated with Amun and may have held the title of second prophet of Amun. Overall Ahmose -Nefertiri had a divine status. She was depicted with prominent front teeth, and is often drawn on some scale as king or god. She had an equal status to her husband and was highly respected by her son.
Queen Hatshepsut, assumed the role of co-regent with Thutmose111 after her husband Thutmose 11 passed away, early into his reign. Hatshepsut (who still remained queen) was a vital assistant to the young Thutmose 111, during her 1st to 8th year as co-regent. She later ascended to become the first female Pharaoh.
Hatshepsut would have played may roles including; that of co-regent governing the land, a warrior queen and a religious figure. The role Hatshepsut would have played as a warrior, would have been from her few military campaigns. There is evidence for a northern campaign, in Hatshepsuts mortuary temple at Deir-el Bahri. The inscription states her arrow among northeners this implies she sent a force to attack these northerners. There is also a suggestion by the historian Redford that Hatshepsut also campaigned in Nubia. This is supported by a stela erected that refers to Thutmose 111 slaughtering rhinos in Nubia, once a rebellion had stopped. Hatshepsuts role as a religious figure was extremely important for Egypt to maintain Maat. She had strongly associate herself with all the gods, especially Amun (the State god). Her Punt expedition was undertaken because Amun commanded her to. Hatshepsut was perhaps the greatest queen of the New kingdom, as she accomplished much, before becoming Pharaoh.
Roles of Viziers, officials and priests
The most powerful positions held by Egyptians were; the Vizier, Officials and High priest of Amun. This group of Egyptians aided the Pharaoh in; governing the country and maintaining maat.
Viziers held the most important position in Egypt, secondary to the Pharaoh. It is possible that there could be two viziers, one of upper Egypt and the other Lower Egypt. viziers were chosen from Egyptian nobility. The power of each vizier always depended on the Pharaohs favour. While the vizier was a servant, he was also of a princely rank and was treated accordingly. But he had to treat everybody equally.
The king instructed the vizier to carry out his wishes. The vizier roles were important to make sure Maat was maintained at all times. Most of the roles included; total control of civil administration, assessed and collected tax, appointed officials, advised the Pharaoh, controlled public work, supervised royal necropolis and maintained records. The vizier had enormous responsibilities for the kings country to prosper and to maintain the building of new monuments and food supply.
During the 18th dynasty there was a trend towards vizierial independence and inheritance of office was reversed by kings who chose his viziers from among his followers; often men who had proven themselves as military officers. Powerful as the viziers were, they rarely tried to usurp the throne, for reasons which may have been partly due to personal loyalty, social and religious reasons, but certainly also to the balance of power which existed between civil service, priesthood and armed forces during normal times.
The viziers must have led very busy lives, supervising the building of temples, leading quarrying expeditions into the desert and accompanying their pharaoh on his campaigns in addition to their more tedious duties of coordinating the bureaucracy, hearing petitioners, and playing courtier. It is also interesting to note that Viziers and other officials appear to have always been male.
Rekhmire, a vizier under Thutmose 111 and Amenhotep 11 has an inscription on his tomb that details the role of a vizier. With in this, Thutmose 111 emphases that the vizier must stay in the legal guidelines, dispense justice for all, emphasise the truth and make sure the Egyptian people are not shown arrogance's on behalf of the vizier.
The officials presented the Pharaoh and his command. Officials controlled the four major divisions of administration in Egypt; civil government, religious government, administration of the army and navy and royal domains. Each official held a high status and were supported by scribes, priests and village chieftains. The most powerful officials reported directly to the King, they were usually involved in the day to day running of Egypt.
During the rule of the Hyksos, the Egyptian administration wasnt completely wiped out. Perhaps these foreigners accepted many values and usage's of the surrounding Egyptian society, used it for their own aims and purposes, as taxes had to be levied and justice administered.
Some important officials in the 18 dynasty were; Senenmut and Ineni. Senenmut held many titles and acted as a very high official during the reign of Hatshepsut. He supervised the building of Hatshepsuts mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri, temples at Karnak, Luzor, Armant and the creation of obelisks. Ineni it seems was Hatshepsuts architect and he also was an important official during the reign of her father Thutmose 1.
Priests became very powerful, influential and played a major political role during the 18th Dynasty. In the early New Kingdom priests were supported because of their major allegiance with the Pharaoh. Tributes from conquered land was given to temples which greatly increased the priesthood's wealth. Also priests didnt have to pay tax. All of this money made was gathered to gain more support for these influential priests.
The priests also acted as a translator for the Pharaoh and the gods. The priests also carried out rituals for particular gods, throughout the day. Most of these were carried out by the priests on the Pharaohs behalf.
The priests were a valuable part of the officials for the Pharaoh, they connected the Pharaoh to the gods and in doing so bought prosperity to the nation.
Roles of Amun and the Amun priesthood
Amun and his priesthood has a significant function in relation to the New Kingdom. They acted together to help the Pharaoh and his servants make Egypt a wealthy, powerful and flourishing nation.
Amun was originally the local god, but as his worship spread to Thebes he became identified with the sun god Re, and was later worshipped as Amun-Re. This was also due to the establishment of the Egyptian rule over foreigners because of the Pharaohs successes. Amun gradually played an important political role. The Pharaohs used Amun to claim divine birth right, so they would have legitimacy to take the throne.
Amun was considered to be the true father of the pharaoh and his crowning was the recognition of the son by his father. Amun was the counsellor of the king, who consulted the god's statue either in his sanctuary or during a procession, with the statue answering by voice or a nod. The private use of the oracle by the king in the role of High Priest strengthened the validity of his decisions by giving them the approval of the gods, while the public oracle was a tool in the hands of the priesthood to achieve their political and social aims.
Amun is usually depicted in human form, but was sometimes depicted with a rams head, or actually as a ram. He wore a ceremonial beard, plaited and curved at the end. He also wore a short kilt with an animal tail, and a tall hat with two ostrich feathers; and when he combined with Re, an solar disc was positioned between those feathers. Amun would hold the ankh and a wooden sceptre, these were symbolic of his power.
Amuns purpose in the new kingdom was to promote nationalism and imperialism. Certain Pharaohs, Thutmose11 and Thutmose 111 both attributed their victories in battle to Amuns support. Evidence to uphold these claims comes from the Aswan inscription and Konossos inscription. In turn Amun would reciprocate, and grant the Pharaohs divine sanction. Amuns divine sanction was important as it functioned as incentive for the common to be confident soldiers during their battles.
The temple at Karnak became the centre of Egyptian's national religion during the New Kingdom. This temple had giant gateways, many open courts and a sanctuary to the gods. This complex was increasingly important during the New kingdom. The wealth gained in victorious campaigns was housed in this complex by the priests. Thutmose 111, the son of Thutmose 11, had grown up in the temple of Amun, first destined for priesthood. Some historians claim that Thutmose 111 was supported by those who feared that a woman (Hatshepsut) couldn't fill the position of king effectively and became involved in the affairs of the army.
The Amun priesthood's role during the New Kingdom was religious and political influence. They had grown considerably in power since the Hyksos domination, their temples were lavished with enormous wealth, power and prestige. The priesthood used legitimacy issues to increase their influence: Thutmose 1, the son of one of Amenhotep's concubines, became king only because of his marriage to the princess Ahmose, daughter of Queen Ahhotep. When Hatshepsut, a daughter of his and Ahmose, survived into adulthood, he was asked to resign in her favour, which he did in front of his court and the priesthood of Amun. Thutmose 11, his son by a concubine who followed him in the list of kings, did so thanks to his marriage to Hatshepsut, the legitimate heiress.
The priesthood also carried out rituals in the Karnak Temple to emphasize the Pharaohs relationship with Amun. The high priest represented the Pharaoh within the temple. He was usually noble, hand picked by the Pharaoh. Although the Pharaoh also had the power to appoint a new high priest. It is also common for the high priest to become vizier; for example Hapusoneb was the First Prophet of Amun who first became administrator of the temple's wealth and the head of all the gods' priests of Upper and Lower Egypt and finally prefect of Thebes and vizier. Also Ptahmose, was high priest during Amenhotep 111s reign before becoming vizier too.
The high priest was exceptionally influential and wealthy, and also held power over all the other temples and priesthood. The priesthood were a valuable part of the officials for the Pharaoh, as they gave the nation strength to over throw the foreigners (Hyksos) and in doing so brought tributes to gain the gods approval and thus Egypt was prosperous.
The Pharaohs maintained many different images, these images played vital roles within New Kingdom Egypt. These images consisted of; Pharaoh as the Chief Priest of the Gods, Pharaoh as Chief Judge, Pharaoh as Administrator and Pharaoh as a Military/Warrior leader. All of these images were important to uphold Maat in Egypt.
An important image maintained by the Pharaoh was that of chief priest of all the gods. To be high priest was the most important function of the Pharaoh. This role was significant because when the pharaoh maintained a good relationship between the gods and Egypt, Maat was guaranteed. The Pharaoh acted as a channel of divine power, who performed religious rituals. Evidence to support these claims are depicted in wall paintings; validating that the Pharaohs participated in some daily rituals. Of course most of these tasks were carried out by the priests, on behalf of the Pharaoh. These ceremonies and rituals were not accessible to common people. Daily rituals consisted of cleaning, anointing and clothing the image of the god then offering this symbolic figure, food and drink. Religious festivals were also held, an important festival was called the Heb-sed which renewed the Pharaohs powers to rule. This festival was held on the anniversary of the Pharaohs accession. Some examples of Pharaohs who were portrayed having strong bond with Gods were Ahmose and Hatshepsut. After Ahmoses victory over the Hyksos, he dedicated all his success to Amun. Where as Hatshepsut maintained a strong relationship with Amun and the other gods throughout her co-regencey and rule.
Another role the Pharaohs played was that of chief judge and lawmaker. The Pharaohs image in regards to lawmaker, meant that he/she was responsible for maintaining Maat. Maat consisted of the right order of things where nature was in balance and Egypt was prosperous and secure; this was conceived as a state of harmony and good order of gods and humans. Within Egypt there were no written laws, it was therefore the Pharaohs responsibility to govern all the laws. These were done to keep order, righteousness, justice and truth. Symbols of the Pharaohs power and legitimate right to govern; were the crook, flail or mace. Ahmose (the first Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty) embarked on several campaigns merely to restore order and re-establish his authority within Egypt after Hyksos domination.
The Pharaoh also played the role of administrator. The Pharaoh was responsible for everything undertaken in Egypt. The image of administrator was represented as a ruler who ensured that all the land was productive, commerce was profitable and the community shared all of the prosperity. Although this was another important role, the king was detached from the tedious details of administration. The Viziers and officials carried out these duties. The Pharaoh Thutmose 1 established the first administration system in Nubia and appointed a viceroy, after his extensive military campaigns.
The Pharaoh was also a commander in charge of the army and navy. It was the Pharaohs duty to preserve maat by keeping foreign people out of Egypt. Some of the New Kingdom rulers have been referred to as Warrior Pharaohs. The first prominent ruler to portray the warrior Pharaoh image was that of Ahmose. He achieved this status from his grand military campaigns that inevitably expelled the Hyksos invaders. Thutmose 1 was a mighty warrior Pharaoh who, extended Egypts conquests far into the north and south. Thutmose 1 undertook vigorous military campaigns and hunted elephants for sport. All of this increased his Warrior image. The daughter of Thutmose 1, Hatshepsut (the first female Pharaoh) considered herself to be a traditional warrior pharaoh sphinx, as written in her Speo Artemidos inscription. But many Historians ignore fragmentary evidence to support Hatshepsuts involvement in a military campaign. Also during Hatshepsuts reign, there were many years of peace, due to her ancestors victories; thus the warrior Pharaoh image was lost. Thutmose 111, was perhaps the greatest of all the warrior Pharaohs. Thutmose 111 undertook apparently seventeen campaigns which were victorious. This young Pharaoh showed generalship of a high order, making unpopular decisions and being proved right, and planning his attack in such a way that he chose his own ground and left the enemy at a disadvantage. Thutmose 111 has been called The Napoleon of Ancient Egypt but with some justice. He was a fantastic fighting general and inspired his successors such as Sethi 1 and Ramesses 11 and 111. Like his successors, Amenhotep 11 was an impressive warrior Pharaoh who undertook many campaigns. Also Thutmose 1V extended Egypts boundaries and increased its power, wealth and greatness.
Roles of Queens from Tetisheri to Hatshepsut
The Queens of the 18th Dynasty played very powerful and influential roles. These included; assisting the Pharaoh with his reign, acting in military campaigns and associating themselves with the gods.
Queen Tetisheri came from non-royal parents (pharaohs usually married princesses and frequently including their own sisters, which preserved family unity). She is also considered by some historians a the founder of the 18th Dynasty. Tetisheri was a woman who initiated the tradition of strong and powerful queens which continued throughout the 18th dynasty. It is suggested that she was the wife of Seqenenre Tao 1 and mother of Seqenenre Tao 11.
Tetisheri was given titles and important roles. She is depicted wearing a vulture headdress and carrying a sceptre. She had many buildings; a Mortuary temple, Chapel, Pyramid, house of Tazeser. Her most important role was assisting the Pharaoh. Tetisheri was very long-lived and during this time aided her husband, her son Seqenenre Tao 11 and her grandson Ahmose in their reigns. Indications of her power are that she carried the symbols of a queen and she had much respect from Ahmose, her grandson. Ahmose makes a dedication to her on his stela at Abydos. Her grandson Ahmose, held Tetisheri in high regard, evidence to suggest this is on Ahmoses limestone stela at abydos where he dedicates her tributes. Also he built a mortuary building because he so greatly loved her, beyond everything.
Queen Ahhotep, was the daughter of Queen Tetisheri and perhaps the wife to Seqenenre Tao 11. She had the title of Gods wife of Amun and her tomb was situated at Dira-abou-el-Naga. Ahhotep played a major political role during the unsettled years of Hyksos supremacy. She was thought to be the mother of Ahmose, and may have acted as regent during his first years of reign. Evidence to support her relation to Ahmose, is found on the doorway of a temple at Buhen, her name is inscribed. Also on Ahmoses karnak stela, he suggests that she may have suppressed a rebellion in Upper Egypt during the Hyksos war. Another piece of evidence to support her military role, perhaps warrior queen is a pendant plated in god that has three golden flies. It is thought this was the gold of valour given as a reward to achievements in military campaigns. Thus many historians conclude, she acted as a warrior queen, assisting her pharaoh in his campaigns.
Ahhotep maintained a strong relationship with the gods and was closely associated with Amun-Re. Ahhotep is depicted with many possessions; a bracelet, chains, mirror, axe, dagger and ship. Ahhotep played a political role throughout her term as Queen, she was also buried near the valley of the kings. Evidence about her was found on Ahmoses stela and in her tomb goods.
Queen Ahmose-Nefertiri held many titles including; Gods wife of Amun, Second prophet of Amun, Kings daughter, Kings sister, Divine consort and great wife. It appears she played an important role during her husband (Ahmoses) reign. She also lived during her son, Amenhoteps reign where she was closely linked to the cult of Amenhotep 1 where she may have held a high position. Her buildings were, a mortuary temple and tomb. Her relationship with the gods was strong, she was closely associated with Amun and may have held the title of second prophet of Amun. Overall Ahmose -Nefertiri had a divine status. She was depicted with prominent front teeth, and is often drawn on some scale as king or god. She had an equal status to her husband and was highly respected by her son.
Queen Hatshepsut, assumed the role of co-regent with Thutmose111 after her husband Thutmose 11 passed away, early into his reign. Hatshepsut (who still remained queen) was a vital assistant to the young Thutmose 111, during her 1st to 8th year as co-regent. She later ascended to become the first female Pharaoh.
Hatshepsut would have played may roles including; that of co-regent governing the land, a warrior queen and a religious figure. The role Hatshepsut would have played as a warrior, would have been from her few military campaigns. There is evidence for a northern campaign, in Hatshepsuts mortuary temple at Deir-el Bahri. The inscription states her arrow among northeners this implies she sent a force to attack these northerners. There is also a suggestion by the historian Redford that Hatshepsut also campaigned in Nubia. This is supported by a stela erected that refers to Thutmose 111 slaughtering rhinos in Nubia, once a rebellion had stopped. Hatshepsuts role as a religious figure was extremely important for Egypt to maintain Maat. She had strongly associate herself with all the gods, especially Amun (the State god). Her Punt expedition was undertaken because Amun commanded her to. Hatshepsut was perhaps the greatest queen of the New kingdom, as she accomplished much, before becoming Pharaoh.
Roles of Viziers, officials and priests
The most powerful positions held by Egyptians were; the Vizier, Officials and High priest of Amun. This group of Egyptians aided the Pharaoh in; governing the country and maintaining maat.
Viziers held the most important position in Egypt, secondary to the Pharaoh. It is possible that there could be two viziers, one of upper Egypt and the other Lower Egypt. viziers were chosen from Egyptian nobility. The power of each vizier always depended on the Pharaohs favour. While the vizier was a servant, he was also of a princely rank and was treated accordingly. But he had to treat everybody equally.
The king instructed the vizier to carry out his wishes. The vizier roles were important to make sure Maat was maintained at all times. Most of the roles included; total control of civil administration, assessed and collected tax, appointed officials, advised the Pharaoh, controlled public work, supervised royal necropolis and maintained records. The vizier had enormous responsibilities for the kings country to prosper and to maintain the building of new monuments and food supply.
During the 18th dynasty there was a trend towards vizierial independence and inheritance of office was reversed by kings who chose his viziers from among his followers; often men who had proven themselves as military officers. Powerful as the viziers were, they rarely tried to usurp the throne, for reasons which may have been partly due to personal loyalty, social and religious reasons, but certainly also to the balance of power which existed between civil service, priesthood and armed forces during normal times.
The viziers must have led very busy lives, supervising the building of temples, leading quarrying expeditions into the desert and accompanying their pharaoh on his campaigns in addition to their more tedious duties of coordinating the bureaucracy, hearing petitioners, and playing courtier. It is also interesting to note that Viziers and other officials appear to have always been male.
Rekhmire, a vizier under Thutmose 111 and Amenhotep 11 has an inscription on his tomb that details the role of a vizier. With in this, Thutmose 111 emphases that the vizier must stay in the legal guidelines, dispense justice for all, emphasise the truth and make sure the Egyptian people are not shown arrogance's on behalf of the vizier.
The officials presented the Pharaoh and his command. Officials controlled the four major divisions of administration in Egypt; civil government, religious government, administration of the army and navy and royal domains. Each official held a high status and were supported by scribes, priests and village chieftains. The most powerful officials reported directly to the King, they were usually involved in the day to day running of Egypt.
During the rule of the Hyksos, the Egyptian administration wasnt completely wiped out. Perhaps these foreigners accepted many values and usage's of the surrounding Egyptian society, used it for their own aims and purposes, as taxes had to be levied and justice administered.
Some important officials in the 18 dynasty were; Senenmut and Ineni. Senenmut held many titles and acted as a very high official during the reign of Hatshepsut. He supervised the building of Hatshepsuts mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri, temples at Karnak, Luzor, Armant and the creation of obelisks. Ineni it seems was Hatshepsuts architect and he also was an important official during the reign of her father Thutmose 1.
Priests became very powerful, influential and played a major political role during the 18th Dynasty. In the early New Kingdom priests were supported because of their major allegiance with the Pharaoh. Tributes from conquered land was given to temples which greatly increased the priesthood's wealth. Also priests didnt have to pay tax. All of this money made was gathered to gain more support for these influential priests.
The priests also acted as a translator for the Pharaoh and the gods. The priests also carried out rituals for particular gods, throughout the day. Most of these were carried out by the priests on the Pharaohs behalf.
The priests were a valuable part of the officials for the Pharaoh, they connected the Pharaoh to the gods and in doing so bought prosperity to the nation.
Roles of Amun and the Amun priesthood
Amun and his priesthood has a significant function in relation to the New Kingdom. They acted together to help the Pharaoh and his servants make Egypt a wealthy, powerful and flourishing nation.
Amun was originally the local god, but as his worship spread to Thebes he became identified with the sun god Re, and was later worshipped as Amun-Re. This was also due to the establishment of the Egyptian rule over foreigners because of the Pharaohs successes. Amun gradually played an important political role. The Pharaohs used Amun to claim divine birth right, so they would have legitimacy to take the throne.
Amun was considered to be the true father of the pharaoh and his crowning was the recognition of the son by his father. Amun was the counsellor of the king, who consulted the god's statue either in his sanctuary or during a procession, with the statue answering by voice or a nod. The private use of the oracle by the king in the role of High Priest strengthened the validity of his decisions by giving them the approval of the gods, while the public oracle was a tool in the hands of the priesthood to achieve their political and social aims.
Amun is usually depicted in human form, but was sometimes depicted with a rams head, or actually as a ram. He wore a ceremonial beard, plaited and curved at the end. He also wore a short kilt with an animal tail, and a tall hat with two ostrich feathers; and when he combined with Re, an solar disc was positioned between those feathers. Amun would hold the ankh and a wooden sceptre, these were symbolic of his power.
Amuns purpose in the new kingdom was to promote nationalism and imperialism. Certain Pharaohs, Thutmose11 and Thutmose 111 both attributed their victories in battle to Amuns support. Evidence to uphold these claims comes from the Aswan inscription and Konossos inscription. In turn Amun would reciprocate, and grant the Pharaohs divine sanction. Amuns divine sanction was important as it functioned as incentive for the common to be confident soldiers during their battles.
The temple at Karnak became the centre of Egyptian's national religion during the New Kingdom. This temple had giant gateways, many open courts and a sanctuary to the gods. This complex was increasingly important during the New kingdom. The wealth gained in victorious campaigns was housed in this complex by the priests. Thutmose 111, the son of Thutmose 11, had grown up in the temple of Amun, first destined for priesthood. Some historians claim that Thutmose 111 was supported by those who feared that a woman (Hatshepsut) couldn't fill the position of king effectively and became involved in the affairs of the army.
The Amun priesthood's role during the New Kingdom was religious and political influence. They had grown considerably in power since the Hyksos domination, their temples were lavished with enormous wealth, power and prestige. The priesthood used legitimacy issues to increase their influence: Thutmose 1, the son of one of Amenhotep's concubines, became king only because of his marriage to the princess Ahmose, daughter of Queen Ahhotep. When Hatshepsut, a daughter of his and Ahmose, survived into adulthood, he was asked to resign in her favour, which he did in front of his court and the priesthood of Amun. Thutmose 11, his son by a concubine who followed him in the list of kings, did so thanks to his marriage to Hatshepsut, the legitimate heiress.
The priesthood also carried out rituals in the Karnak Temple to emphasize the Pharaohs relationship with Amun. The high priest represented the Pharaoh within the temple. He was usually noble, hand picked by the Pharaoh. Although the Pharaoh also had the power to appoint a new high priest. It is also common for the high priest to become vizier; for example Hapusoneb was the First Prophet of Amun who first became administrator of the temple's wealth and the head of all the gods' priests of Upper and Lower Egypt and finally prefect of Thebes and vizier. Also Ptahmose, was high priest during Amenhotep 111s reign before becoming vizier too.
The high priest was exceptionally influential and wealthy, and also held power over all the other temples and priesthood. The priesthood were a valuable part of the officials for the Pharaoh, as they gave the nation strength to over throw the foreigners (Hyksos) and in doing so brought tributes to gain the gods approval and thus Egypt was prosperous.