Egyptian Nomes > Upper Egypt Nomes

Upper Egypt Nomes

Background

The nomes of ancient Upper Egypt were administrative divisions that played a crucial role in the political, economic, and religious life of the region. Upper Egypt, the southern part of ancient Egypt, stretched from the area south of modern Cairo to Aswan. There were traditionally 22 nomes in Upper Egypt.

Here are key features and notable nomes of ancient Upper Egypt:

1. Geographical Context:

   • Upper Egypt is characterized by a narrow strip of fertile land along the Nile River, flanked by deserts. It extends from the area around modern-day Asyut to Aswan in the south.

2. Administrative and Political Role:

   • Each nome was overseen by a nomarch, an official responsible for local governance, tax collection, justice, and defense. Nomarchs reported directly to the pharaoh and held significant power within their regions.

3. Religious and Cultural Significance:

   • Many nomes had significant religious centers and temples dedicated to various deities. Each nome had its patron deities and unique religious practices, contributing to the diverse religious landscape of ancient Egypt.

4. Notable Nomes of Upper Egypt:

   • Nome 1 (Ta-Seti, "Land of the Bow"): The first nome of Upper Egypt, located in the southernmost region. This nome included the city of Elephantine (modern Aswan) and was important for its trade connections with Nubia.

   • Nome 2 (Khem, "Letopolis"): Often associated with the city of Hierakonpolis (Nekhen), one of the oldest and most significant religious centers in early Egyptian history, dedicated to the god Horus.

   • Nome 3 (Nekheb, "El-Kab"): The capital was El-Kab, a significant religious and administrative center dedicated to the goddess Nekhbet, the vulture goddess and protector of Upper Egypt.

   • Nome 4 (Waset, "Thebes"): The capital city was Thebes (modern Luxor), one of the most important cities in ancient Egypt. It was a major religious center with the Karnak and Luxor temples, dedicated to the god Amun.

   • Nome 5 (Qeny, "Qena"): The capital city was Qena. This nome was significant for its strategic location and its role in trade and transportation along the Nile.

   • Nome 6 (Diospolis Parva, "Hu"): The capital was Hu (Diospolis Parva), an important religious center with temples dedicated to local deities.

   • Nome 7 (Aphroditopolis, "Aphroditopolis"): Known for its association with the goddess Hathor. The capital city was Aphroditopolis.

   • Nome 8 (Akhmim, "Akhmim"): The capital city was Akhmim, a significant religious center dedicated to the fertility god Min.

   • Nome 9 (Thinis, "Thinis"): The capital was Thinis, an early dynastic capital of Egypt and an important religious center.

   • Nome 10 (Abydos, "Abdju"): The capital city was Abydos, one of the most important religious sites dedicated to the god Osiris. Abydos was a major pilgrimage site and necropolis.

   • Nome 11 (This, "Abydos Nome"): Similar to the nome of Abydos, it included parts of the region surrounding the important city of Abydos.

   • Nome 12 (Asyut, "Lycopolis"): The capital city was Asyut, a significant administrative and religious center.

   • Nome 13 (Heracleopolis Magna, "Heracleopolis"): The capital city was Heracleopolis Magna, an important political and religious center.

   • Nome 14 (Hermopolis, "Khmunu"): The capital city was Hermopolis (modern El-Ashmunein), a major religious center dedicated to Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing.

   • Nome 15 (Shmun, "Hermopolis"): Similar to the nome of Hermopolis, it included parts of the region surrounding the city of Hermopolis.

   • Nome 16 (Hebenu, "Oxyrhynchus Nome"): The capital city was Oxyrhynchus, known for its wealth of papyrus texts discovered there, providing significant insights into daily life and administration.

   • Nome 17 (Cynopolis, "Anpu"): The capital city was Cynopolis, associated with the worship of Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife.

   • Nome 18 (Cusae, "Qus"): The capital city was Qus, an important religious and administrative center.

   • Nome 19 (Aphroditopolis, "Per-Djodj"): The capital city was Aphroditopolis, associated with the worship of Hathor and other local deities.

   • Nome 20 (Apollonopolis Magna, "Edfu"): The capital city was Edfu, known for the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.

   • Nome 21 (Panopolis, "Akhmim"): The capital city was Panopolis, another significant religious center dedicated to the fertility god Min.

   • Nome 22 (Dendera, "Tentyris"): The capital city was Dendera, home to the famous Temple of Hathor, a major religious site.

The nomes of Upper Egypt were essential for the administrative organization and cultural richness of ancient Egypt, each contributing uniquely to the civilization's development and legacy. Each nome's unique identity and local traditions played a crucial role in the broader cultural and religious tapestry of ancient Egypt.

Nomes