High steward

The top asset managers, also called " Upper House Head ", " Upper goods head " or "master domain manager ", was an important official in the Egyptian courtyard from the Middle Kingdom to the Late Period.

The Office is attested since the early 12th Dynasty with the title holder Meketre. The function of a "state-owned asset manager " ( imi -ra -per ) was previously exercised by a simple administrative officials (eg Henenu ). The top asset manager was responsible for the royal and state lands and domains. The properties were generally of the function to supply the palace and its employees with food. The position of the top asset manager represented one of the highest officials at the royal court title dar. In the 12th Dynasty there was always an officer of that name; from the 13th dynasty, however, could carry several officials it.

Especially during the 18th dynasty was connected with this office great power, as the top asset managers controlled the economic resources of the country. They started their career often than military. Their grave sites are among the largest of their time, but were often ravaged his lifetime of officials or shortly thereafter, which suggests power struggles at court. Titleholders were Senmut Hatshepsut or Horemheb before he became king (Pharaoh).

In the 19th Dynasty the importance decreased slightly. The title held since the New Kingdom also administrator of Amun- domains and other domains. Top asset managers are also well attested in the late period, especially the steward of God Gemahlinen of Amun bore this title and were once again powerful officials who seem to have been the real rulers of Upper Egypt.