The Egyptian Administration in the Old Kingdom: Evidence on its Economic Decline

Examines the decline of tomb construction by Egyptian officials during the Old Kingdom, reflecting decreasing financial resources and weakening administrative authority.

A generally held belief is that there was a downward trend in the authority and power of the king and a corresponding increase in the influence of officials over the course of the Old Kingdom in Egypt. This could be seen reflected in the increasing size, complexity and lavishness of their tombs, the cost of which was general...