In ancient Egypt, the vizier was the second most powerful position after that of king. It was also known as djat, tjat, tjati. It was created during the early dynasty of Egypt between c.3150BCE - c. 2613 BCE. Viziers are usually members of the king’s family.
The vizier used to be the son of the king. Imhotep (c. 2667-2600 BCE) was the most famous vizier and he served during the reign of king Djoser (c. 2670 BCE). Though he was not king Djoser’s relative. He got to that prominent position based on his own success and accomplishment.
The vizier in ancient Egypt was responsible to the running of the day to day activities of the government. The position was similar to today day prime minister. The viziers also serve as an adviser to the king.
The vizier as the head of the government implemented the king’s policies and delegate authority to different department within the government to carry out the king’s directive.
However, the vizier was in charge of the operation of governmental agencies. Some of the agencies are Agriculture, financial, religious, military, judicial, architectural and interior.
The vizier has to be very educated and informed in order to carry out its function effectively. Between 30 BCE - 646 CE, the office of vizier was abolished in Egypt.
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KEYWORDS:
- ancient egypt
- vizier
- king Djoser
