- Egyptologist, writer and broadcaster. Former Director of the Egypt Exploration Society (2012-16), and elected Preside... moreEgyptologist, writer and broadcaster. Former Director of the Egypt Exploration Society (2012-16), and elected President of the International Association of Egyptologists (IAE) in 2015.
My book 'Searching for the Lost Tombs of Egypt' was published by Thames and Hudson in 2018. A second, 'Egyptologists' Notebooks' will appear in 2020.
My previous research has mostly focused on two things:
1) The history of archaeology in Egypt and of Egyptology in general, with particular regard to the work of the Egypt Exploration Society.
2) The Egyptian Twenty-fifth Dynasty, and the effect of the various ‘regime changes’ and foreign influences before during and after it.
I’ve appeared in around twenty documentary films in the UK and elsewhere which I see as a very important part of my role in bringing scholarly research to the wider public.
Please see my website for more info: www.chrisnaunton.comedit
The period covered by this chapter is often called the ''Third Intermediate Period,''a label which only came into use in the 1960s (Morkot 2005: 76). Chronologically it is defined by the... more
The period covered by this chapter is often called the ''Third Intermediate Period,''a label which only came into use in the 1960s (Morkot 2005: 76). Chronologically it is defined by the supposed peaks of Egyptian civilization which preceded and followed it: the New ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The period covered by this chapter is often called the ''Third Intermediate Period,''a label which only came into use in the 1960s (Morkot 2005: 76). Chronologically it is defined by the... more
The period covered by this chapter is often called the ''Third Intermediate Period,''a label which only came into use in the 1960s (Morkot 2005: 76). Chronologically it is defined by the supposed peaks of Egyptian civilization which preceded and followed it: the New ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings... more
In the mid-Eighth Century BC Egypt was conquered by the kings Kush, based at Napata in Sudan, who then ruled the country for several decades to 664. This study assesses the nature and extent of the impact of the Twenty-fifth dynasty kings on the existing administrative and governmental structures of Thebes as reflected in the prosopographical record. This evidence forms the basis of an assessment of the role of the Vizier, Theban Governor, Chief Priest of Amun, God’s Wife of Amun and other key individuals, their relationships with each other and with the ruling kings.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
The evidence suggests that in the process of taking control of Thebes, the Kushites brought about certain changes to the administration of the city which would lend the period a distinctive character. This is evident in the interruption of the hereditary succession of titles such as that of Vizier; the investment in the institution of the God’s Wife, which was headed by a member of the royal family but controlled by an official with an entirely new title, the Chief Steward of the God’s Wife; the introduction of ethnic Kushites including royal family members into prominent offices; and the reorganisation of the military.
Most of these changes are evident in the first half of the period and represent the Kushites early efforts to consolidate their authority in Thebes. However, it seems likely that during the second half of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty the Kushites encountered opposition to their rule in Thebes from the powerful local individuals and families, foremost among whom was Montuemhat. Further changes introduced in the early years of the succeeding Dynasty suggest that the departure of the Kushites and change to a different regime had again brought about significant change, ensuring that the character of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty would remain associated only with the period of their rule.
Research Interests:
For centuries the beguiling ancient ruins of Egypt have provided an endless source of fascination for explorers, antiquarians, treasure hunters and archaeologists. All, from the very earliest travellers, were entranced by the beauty and... more
For centuries the beguiling ancient ruins of Egypt have provided an endless source of fascination for explorers, antiquarians, treasure hunters and archaeologists. All, from the very earliest travellers, were entranced by the beauty and majesty of the landscape: the remains of tombs cut into the natural rock of hillsides and the temples and cities gently consumed by drift sand. These early adventurers were gripped by the urge to capture what they had seen in writings, sketches, paintings and photographs.
While it was always the scholars – the Egyptologists – who were in charge, they depended on architects, artists, engineers and photographers. Yet when we think of Petrie, we think of Sir William Matthew Flinders, not of his wife Hilda. Only through reading their diaries and letters has it come to be realized how important she and other partners were. Similarly the role played by Egyptian workers, digging on archaeological projects and maintaining relations with the local landowners, is only just coming to be appreciated.
Egyptologists’ Notebooks brings together the work – reproduced in its original form – of the many people who contributed to our understanding of ancient Egypt, offering a glimpse into a very different history of Egyptology. They evoke a rich sense of time and place, transporting us back to a great age of discovery.
While it was always the scholars – the Egyptologists – who were in charge, they depended on architects, artists, engineers and photographers. Yet when we think of Petrie, we think of Sir William Matthew Flinders, not of his wife Hilda. Only through reading their diaries and letters has it come to be realized how important she and other partners were. Similarly the role played by Egyptian workers, digging on archaeological projects and maintaining relations with the local landowners, is only just coming to be appreciated.
Egyptologists’ Notebooks brings together the work – reproduced in its original form – of the many people who contributed to our understanding of ancient Egypt, offering a glimpse into a very different history of Egyptology. They evoke a rich sense of time and place, transporting us back to a great age of discovery.
Research Interests:
Where are the tombs of Alexander the Great or Cleopatra? Both rulers were buried in Egypt, but their tombs have never been found despite years of intensive research and excavation. Yet we have tantalizing clues. Searching for the Lost... more
Where are the tombs of Alexander the Great or Cleopatra? Both rulers were buried in Egypt, but their tombs have never been found despite years of intensive research and excavation. Yet we have tantalizing clues. Searching for the Lost Tombs of Egypt describes the quest for these and other great ‘missing’ tombs – those we know existed, but which have not yet been identified. It also discusses key moments of discovery that have yielded astonishing finds and created the archetypal image of the archaeologist poised at the threshold of a tomb left untouched for millennia.
In this gripping account, Chris Naunton explains the mysteries of the missing tombs and presents all the evidence, skilfully unravelling the tangled threads surrounding the burials of the heretic pharaoh Akhenaten and his son Tutankhamun, and the burial place of Imhotep, architect of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, among others. Could other such tombs lie undiscovered in the Valley of the Kings? In fact, the Valley almost certainly does guard hidden treasures. Amazing finds of unsuspected tombs continue to occur there and elsewhere in Egypt, making headlines worldwide – all are covered in this book. As well as immersing the reader, step by step, in the action of the search and the thrill of discovery, the book also explores the reasons why tombs remain such a central part of both the popular perception of Egyptology and the continuing allure of ancient Egypt.
In this gripping account, Chris Naunton explains the mysteries of the missing tombs and presents all the evidence, skilfully unravelling the tangled threads surrounding the burials of the heretic pharaoh Akhenaten and his son Tutankhamun, and the burial place of Imhotep, architect of the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, among others. Could other such tombs lie undiscovered in the Valley of the Kings? In fact, the Valley almost certainly does guard hidden treasures. Amazing finds of unsuspected tombs continue to occur there and elsewhere in Egypt, making headlines worldwide – all are covered in this book. As well as immersing the reader, step by step, in the action of the search and the thrill of discovery, the book also explores the reasons why tombs remain such a central part of both the popular perception of Egyptology and the continuing allure of ancient Egypt.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Statement by Dr Alice Stevenson, UCL Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, and Dr Chris Naunton, the Egypt Exploration Society, London, 26 September 2014. This Thursday 2 October 2014, the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) St... more
Statement by Dr Alice Stevenson, UCL Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, and Dr Chris Naunton, the Egypt Exploration Society, London, 26 September 2014.
This Thursday 2 October 2014, the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) St Louis Society intends to sell Egyptian antiquities at the London auctioneers Bonhams. We condemn this sale in the strongest possible terms.
This Thursday 2 October 2014, the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) St Louis Society intends to sell Egyptian antiquities at the London auctioneers Bonhams. We condemn this sale in the strongest possible terms.