but still unresolved cases could end with the vizier in the capitals.^59
Even in such instances, the vizier may just remit the case to those
whom he considers the proper officials.^60 In P. Berlin 10470, the
office of the vizier issues instructions about a transaction dealing with
the labor of a servant woman.^61
An official, attested already in the Old Kingdom, “Great one-of-
the-tens-of-Upper-Egypt,” (wr-m≈“m'w) may have assisted the vizier
in legal matters.^622.1.3.1.2 The official, firy-¢t, “he-who-pertains-to-the-thing/matter,”
mentioned in the Duties of the Vizier, was present at the sittings in
which the vizier transacted state affairs. He was apparently “respon-
sible for the smooth conduct of such sittings,”^63 ensuring that the
cases were presented without any problems.2.1.3.1.3 The “Elder of the Portal” may have had important judi-
ciary functions.^64 In Cairo Stela 30770 this official is ordered to con-
duct an investigation at the Temple of Min in Coptos,^65 while in
the Stèle juridique, an individual holding this position confirms an
oath of assent.^66 Among the other officials charged with performing
legal duties may be mentioned a “judge of the workers in the work-
house,” attested in the Thirteenth Dynasty.^672.1.3.2 Provincial Administration
It is not always clear whether a particular office is to be classified
as belonging to the central or provincial administration. Every signi-
ficant town probably had at least one herald or “reporter” (literally,
“repeater,” w ̇mw), which Hayes equates with modern town and vil-
lage clerks.^68 These by no means insignificant heralds apparently(^59) Van den Boorn, Vizier.. ., 165.
(^60) Ibid., 165.
(^61) Vittmann, “Hieratic Texts,” 39.
(^62) Van den Boorn, Vizier.. ., 33–34; Quirke, Administration.. ., 80–81.
(^63) Quirke, “Regular Titles.. .,” 127.
(^64) Hayes, Papyrus.. ., 136.
(^65) Wente, Letters.. ., 26.
(^66) Spalinger, “Stèle juridique,” col. 7.
(^67) s≈m “n'(Franke, “Beititel.. .”). Cf. also the s≈mj rm∆, “judge of people,” (“Richter
der Hörigen”), a title of the Thirteenth Dynasty, apparently judges active in the
workhouse (Franke, “Nachtrag.. .”).
(^68) Papyrus, 139. See also Hayes, Papyrus.. ., 143–44; Quirke, Administration...,
141 and 167.
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