People > Nomarchs

Nomarchs

Background

The term "nomarch" refers to the rulers or governors of the nomes, which were administrative divisions in ancient Egypt. Here's an overview of the nomarchs and their role:

1. Administrative Structure: In ancient Egypt, the country was divided into administrative districts known as nomes. Each nome was overseen by a nomarch, who served as the local ruler or governor. The nomes varied in size and importance, and their number changed over time.

2. Role of Nomarchs: Nomarchs were responsible for governing their respective nomes on behalf of the central government. Their duties included collecting taxes, maintaining order, overseeing irrigation projects, and ensuring the local population's loyalty to the pharaoh.

3. Relationship with the Pharaoh: While nomarchs held significant power within their nomes, they ultimately owed their allegiance to the pharaoh, who ruled over all of Egypt. Nomarchs were appointed by the pharaoh and served at his pleasure. They were expected to enforce the pharaoh's decrees and maintain stability within their territories.

4. Economic Power: Nomarchs often controlled vast estates and resources within their nomes, including agricultural land, mines, and trade routes. This allowed them to amass wealth and influence, further strengthening their position within Egyptian society.

5. Social Status: Nomarchs belonged to the elite class of ancient Egyptian society. They typically came from noble or aristocratic families and enjoyed privileges such as landownership, access to education, and participation in religious ceremonies.

6. Decline: The power and influence of the nomarchs began to decline during the Middle Kingdom period (c. 2055–1650 BCE) as the central government strengthened its control over the provinces. However, nomes continued to exist as administrative units throughout ancient Egyptian history.

Overall, nomarchs played a crucial role in the governance of ancient Egypt, serving as the local representatives of the pharaoh and overseeing the administration of their respective nomes.

List of Nomarchs

• Amenemhat (nomarch, 16th nome)
• Ankhtifi
• Baqet III
• Cleomenes of Naucratis
• Djefaihapi
• Djehutihotep
• Djehutynakht (10A)
• Heqaib
• Heqaib III
• Idy (vizier)
• Intef the Elder
• Intef I
• Kaikhenet (II)
• Khety I (nomarch)
• Khety II (nomarch)
• Meryibre Khety
• Khnumhotep I
• Khnumhotep II
• Khui
• Mentuhotep I
• Mesehti
• Sarenput I
• Sarenput II
• Senusret (nomarch)
• Shemay
• Sobeknakht I
• Sobeknakht II
• Tefibi
• Ukhhotep II

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Nomarchs