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Central Administration in the New Kingdom (about 1550-1069 BC)

The structures of central administration in the New Kingdom are similar to those of the Middle Kingdom (about 2025-1700 BC). The head of the administration was the vizier. From the early 18th Dynasty on there two viziers are attested, one for Upper Egypt, with his residence at Thebes, and one for Lower Egypt, with his residence at Memphis.

depiction of the vizier Hepu, on his funerary cone. The viziers wore a special garment: a long cloth with a string around the neck. Compare: 'Duties of the vizier'.

The second most important official was now the high steward in contrast to the Middle Kingdom, where the treasurer had been the more important of the two. Other important officials are the overseer of the treasury and the overseer of the granary.

inscription mentioning the treasurer Bay, a very influential person of his time. In the Ramesside period the title treasurer was of no great importance: the importance of Bay might have been based on his personal abilities, or his title might reflect a revival of Second Intermediate Period practice.

In the Ramesside Period the 'formal' offices seem to have become less important. People with the title wbA nswt 'cupbearer of the king' became very influential. The importance of these people was not based on their office but more on their proximity to the king.



 

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