Evidence for Administration of the Nubian Fortresses in the Late Middle Kingdom: P. Ramesseum 18

Abstract

The Semna Dispatches hold unparalleled importance as one of the only papyri remaining for our understanding of Egypt’s control over its Lower Nubian forts in the late Middle Kingdom. Here, we provide an edition and commentary on P. Ramesseum 18 (EA10771), another text concerning the forts. Its only previous publication was as a photograph in Alan Gardiner’s The Ramesseum Papyri: Plates in 1955. The text provides evidence for oversight from the Office of the Vizier in the form of letters to the forts, in support of which only seal impressions and the Duties of the Vizier attested formerly. One letter alerts the fortresses of Elephantine and Kuban about upcoming inspections. Another mentions an official from Edfu connected with the Medjay commanding a wꜤr.t -district at Kuban. Dating to the transition of Dynasty 12 and 13, the letters verify the continuing control of the forts, including rotations of personnel from Upper Egypt.