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The northern Tanite monarchy and a southern (Theban) priestly
ruler seem to coordinate their authority in the late New Kingdom.^52
Beginning about that time, the High Priest of Amun at Thebes
becomes a much more influential figure, in some cases usurping royal
prerogatives.^53 He is effectively in charge of a “military dictatorship,”
although many decisions, including legal ones, are officially pro-
claimed by the god Amun, and not by mortal man.^54 A policy begun
under Sheshonq I was to change the Theban high priesthood from
a hereditary position into one to which the king, based in the north,
appointed his sons.^55 In the later part of the Third Intermediate
period, other offices become more important than that of the High
Priest of Amun, such as the God’s Wives of Amun (and the bureau-
cracy surrounding them).^562.1 The King
While much of the traditional royal vocabulary and iconography
remains,^57 the Third Intermediate period kings are often shadowy
and, presumably, insubstantial figures. Their role in legal matters is
correspondingly minimal.^582.2 The Administration
2.2.1 A detailed picture of the administration in the Third Inter-
mediate period is not possible. There are significant differences from
the social and political situation of the New Kingdom. Especially
noteworthy is the development of walled cities and the concentra-
tion of the population in towns and cities, perhaps in response to
the uncertainties of the time.^59 Despite such differences, scholars
emphasize administrative continuity under the “foreign” kings of this
time.^60 Hereditary offices become increasingly important in the late(^52) Hornung, Geschichte.. ., 115.
(^53) Trigger et al., Social History.. ., 231.
(^54) Hornung, Geschichte.. ., 115.
(^55) Edwards, “Egypt.. .,” 543, 554.
(^56) Bryan, “In Women.. .,” 44.
(^57) Bonheme, Les Noms.. ., vol. 1, 254. See also the remarks of Gnirs, Militär und
Gesellschaft.. ., 207.
(^58) Trigger et al., Social History.. ., 231–32; Edwards, “Egypt.. .,” 572; Menu,
“Questions.. .,” 139; but see also Meeks, “Donations.. .,” 635.
(^59) Trigger et al., Social History.. ., 248; Graefe, “Zwischenzeit, Dritte,” col. 1448.
(^60) Leclant, “Kuschitenherrschaft,” cols. 894–95; Pressl, Beamte..., 2.
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