High steward (Ancient Egypt)
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The high steward (also called chief steward or great overseer of the house; Egyptian: imi-r pr wr) was an important official at the royal court in Ancient Egypt in the Middle Kingdom and in the New Kingdom. He was the main person in charge of the estates supplying the palace and the royal residence with food. The office appears in the 11th Dynasty. To the earliest title holders belong Henenu and Meketre. After the vizier and the treasurer this was the most important office at the royal court; important title holders of the 12th Dynasty were Siese and Khnumhotep III, both were later in their career appointed vizier.
The title was still very important in the New Kingdom and was in this period often called high steward of the king. An important title holder of the New Kingdom was Senenmut under Hatshepsut, other include Wadjetrenput serving under the same queen.
In the Late Period there were high stewards in charges of the estates of the God's Wife of Amun. These were highly wealthy officials known from their monumental tombs at Thebens. Title holders include Ibi and Harwa. Other high stewards, such as Payeftjauemawyneith are still well attested at the royal court.
Literature
- Stephen Quirke: Titles and bureaux of Egypt 1850-1700 BC, London 2004 p. 50-51, 61 ISBN 0-9547218-0-2
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