A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law

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2.2.1.3 Several titles are closely identified with the Third Intermediate

period. In the Libyan period, “Great Chief of the Ma (or Meshwesh)”

occurs, an office approaching, if not quite reaching, the status of

king.^73 This Libyan title apparently survives, much weakened, into

the reign of Psamtik I of the Saite Dynasty.^74

2.2.1.4 Powerful temple officials, such as the Steward (of Amun)

(mr-pr), were responsible for the administration of temple fields, and

doubtless also exercised legal functions or influence on occasion.^75

As in earlier Egyptian history, it can be difficult to distinguish between

“temple” and “state” officials.^76

2.2.1.5 Ancient titles, originally of juristic significance, continue to

be employed in the Third Intermediate period. Thus, an official in

the Twenty-second Dynasty holds the position of “chief judge, gov-

ernor of the city, and vizier,” a string of titles found in the Old

Kingdom.^77 An oracular text mentions the archaic title “great one

of the tens of Upper Egypt” (wr m≈”m 'w).^78 Worthies bear epithets

emphasizing legal functions; Osorkon declares that he is “foremost in

judging the pleas that reach his ears.”^79 A high official under Petubastis

I describes himself as “skilled in the laws of the royal palace.”^80 The

Piye Victory inscription is a rich source of titles and ranks.^81

2.2.1.6 The nomes still evidently play a role, but their administrative

significance and structure are unclear.^82 The Delta was divided into

various provinces under the control of the reigning kings or Libyan

(^73) Leahy, “Libyan Period.. .,” 59. See also Ritner, “Libyan Anarchy.. .,” 101.
(^74) Ritner, “Libyan Anarchy.. .,” 107.
(^75) Vleeming, Papyrus Reinhardt.. ., 55–56.
(^76) This is the case, for example, of the “Overseer of the Granary,” discussed in
Vleeming, Papyrus Reinhardt.. ., 56.
(^77) Breasted, Ancient Records.. ., vol. 4, 389. See also Vittmann, “Wesir...”
(^78) Vernus, “Inscriptions.. .,” 222.
(^79) Caminos, Osorkon.. ., 78.
(^80) Jansen-Winkeln, Ägyptische Biographien.. ., 140. Compare also “one who embell-
ishes Thebes with good laws,” Jansen-Winkeln, Ägyptische Biographien.. ., 155.
(^81) Grimal, Stèle triomphale.. ., 247–49.
(^82) A ruler’s sphere of influence may be described in terms of nomes, e.g., Grimal,
Stèle triomphale.. ., 211. Other geographical designations also possess administrative
significance, such as “the southern land” (Vittmann, Papyrus Rylands 9.. ., 287–90).
See also Kuhrt, Ancient Near East.. ., vol. 2, 627.
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