2.1.3.2.2 The nome is the basic geographical unit of administra-
tion in the Old Kingdom,^90 although the precise divisions are still
in process throughout this period. Each of the approximately forty-
two nomes (the traditional number) was governed by a nomarch ( ̇ry-
tp-'3 n GN) in the late Old Kingdom.^91 Nomarchs wielding significant
independent power only appear in the Sixth Dynasty.^92 The nomarch’s
duties were probably also partly juridical in character.^93 In addition
to the nome centers there were separately administered pyramid
towns.^94 The First Intermediate period is characterized by nomarchic
families usurping royal authority.^95 There is a gradual decrease in
central authority, and a corresponding increase in local power.^962.1.3.2.3 The local provincial officials often inherit their office from
their fathers. Even those administrators of provincial royal estates
and nomes of the central government may have resided in the cap-
ital of Memphis. It seems that through most of the Old Kingdom
the central government exerted a strong control over the provinces.^97
Such provincial administrators were apparently concerned with tax-
ation and labor obligations, but the details of their authority are
lacking.^98 Not only the central administration but also provincial
officials exercised some juridical functions as well. Such worthies
often state in their tomb biographies: “I judged two disputants so
that they were satisfied.”^992.1.3.2.4 Temple functionaries might also exercise juridical func-
tions.^100 The heads of priestly establishments could initiate proceed-(^90) Gestermann, Kontinutät.. ., 135.
(^91) Leprohon, Civilization.. ., vol. 1, 280. See also Gestermann, Kontinuität.. ., 136;
Kanawati, Government.. ., 33.
(^92) Leprohon, Civilization.. ., vol. 1, 280; Hornung, Grundzüge.. ., 21. On the rise
of the ̇ry-tp-' 3 in the Sixth Dynasty, see Gestermann, Kontinuität.. ., 155–56. Martin-
Pardey, Untersuchungen.. ., 111.
(^93) Martin-Pardy, Untersuchungen.. ., 184. For the association of the powerful
nomarchs of the First Intermediate Period with qenbetcourts, see Allam, “Quenbete...,”
28–30.
(^94) Gestermann, Kontinuität.. ., 135.
(^95) Cf. Hornung, Gründzuge, 42.
(^96) Gestermann, Kontinuität.. ., 137. Cf. Müller-Wöllermann, “Alte Reich.. .,” 31.
(^97) Goedicke, Königliche Dokumente.. ., 25–26, 112.
(^98) Eyre, “Work.. .,” 19.
(^99) Martin-Pardy, Untersuchungen.. ., 185.
(^100) See Hafemann and Martin-Pardey, “Arbeitspflicht im alten Ägypten. I,” 4;
Eyre, “Work.. .,” 7; Roth, “Organization.. .,” 117–18.
104
WESTBROOK_F3_91-140 8/27/03 1:40 PM Page 104