A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law

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to allow the return to Thebes of persons banished (by the god Amun^13 )

during the turmoil preceding his installation. A Jubilee Inscription

of Osorkon II treats the exemption or protection of Thebes from

inspection by royal officers.^14 The Osorkon Chronicle recounts the

activities of the eldest son of King Takelot II, focusing on revolts

and disturbances in the Theban region.^15 The great Piye Victory Stela

(ca. 714) illuminates that king’s perception of rebellion and clemency

towards rebels.^16 The retention of New Kingdom legal vocabulary is

demonstrated by the “Dream” Stela of Tanutamon (664).^17

Among the significant legal texts issued by powerful individuals

who, if not necessarily “kings,” display royal attributes or authority,

may be mentioned the following.

1.2.1 Menkheperre, the High Priest of Amun (time of Psusennes I,

ca. 1000), inscribed a complex juridical oracular text in the Temple

of Khonsu at Thebes.^18

1.2.2 A recently published Elephantine stele (reign of Osorkon II)

records an inspection of the Temple of Khnum by the viceroy of

Kush and oracular confirmation of the consequent reorganization of

the temple.^19 It contains indeed the latest mention of the important

New Kingdom title “King’s son of Kush.”

1.2.3 A very significant group of texts are the so-called donation

stelai, especially from the Twenty-second to Twenty-third dynasties

(945–715).^20 The king provides the temples thereby with the eco-

nomic means (chiefly in the form of land) to maintain themselves.

These donations are sometimes given by the king through the agency

of a high official, for example, the “Great Chief of the Ma.”^21

(^13) von Beckerath, “Stele der Verbannten.. .,” 12–13.
(^14) Breasted, Ancient Records.. ., vol. 4, 373; Edwards, “Egypt.. .,” 556–57.
(^15) Caminos, Osorkon.. .; Edwards, “Egypt.. .,” 560–61.
(^16) Lichtheim, AEL3, 74, 79; Grimal, Stèle triomphale.. ., 241.
(^17) Breasted, Ancient Records.. ., vol. 4, 473. See also Redford, “Studies in Rela-
tions.. .,” 149; Onasch, Die assyrischen Eroberungen Ägyptens, 129–45.
(^18) Epigraphic Survey, 17–20.
(^19) Seidlmayer, “Elephantine.. .,” 329–34.
(^20) Meeks, “Donations.. .,” 607.
(^21) Ibid., 633, 639; Eyre, “Feudal Tenure.. .,” 119.
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