Throughout ancient Egypt’s long history, which dates back at least 3000 years BCE., there were many different ancient Egyptian Jobs and occupations available. One of the first job titles to emerge dates back to the first Egyptian dynasty, just after writing had been invented. As long as the Roman Empire lasted, people continued to hold positions of authority and mention them in their tombs, as well as on a stone tablet that was generally put in or near their graves. To this end, many ancient Egyptian structures, temples, and sculptures bear titles inscribed with the work or duties of the person who once owned them. As ancient Egypt’s culture developed, so did the variety and number of jobs available, indicating the evolution of Egypt’s political and managerial institutions from antiquity. Titles denote a person’s formal roles within the state as well as their lifetime contributions to society. It was a source of self-worth in life, as well as a way to ensure one’s own resurrection and entry into the afterlife.
List of Ancient Egyptian Jobs
The following is a comprehensive list of ancient Egypt’s most significant government positions. Many of these titles have been cited only a few times, but a handful have been referenced many times, and that is what we provide in that list. These titles were very significant in the management of the ancient Egyptian state, and they shed light on ancient Egypt’s social structure and political system, as well as its evolution over time.
- County Administrator or Estate Administrator
- bearer of the Royal seals
- The High Priest
- The great reciter of the temple
- Chief of the Royal court
- Mayor of the city
- Prince (Old Egypt), Governorate Director
- Mayor of West Thebes
- Mayor of Thebes
- Governor of Byblos (a city in today’s Lebanon)
- Patron of selves in Nekhen
- God’s priest / Servant of God
- Amon’s wife
- The first servant of Amon
- Silos overseer
- Rower head; sea captain
- Vice Presidency of the House
- Beholder of wealth; Prime Minister
- Chairman of the Board
- Chief seal bearers
- Manager of all Pharaoh’s business
- Army Chief (Commander in Chief)
- City mayor
- Chief servant of the king
- House manager, farm manager
- Prince of the House of Wealth
- Palace Wealth Management Manager
- Gatekeepers captain
- Head of the edifices in southern Egypt
- Western Sahara manager
- Prince of Shonten
- Prince of catering of Amun
- The chief scribe inside the great wall
- Requisition Supervisor
- Elite member
- High-ranked Priest
- Column of elders (Deputy high priest)
- Maid of the King (preparing clothes for Pharaoh)
- Prince (King’s son)
- Governor of Nuba
- King’s Tomb Catering Manager
- King’s Samir & his best friend
- The first friend
- The Royal scribe
- The king’s scepter holder
- Tayati (Minister)
- The King’s son, (wearing leopard skin)
- One of the top ten
- General manager of craftsmen
- General manager of craftsmen in the two houses
- Prince of Nuba
Ancient Egyptian Iconic Figures
Those closest to the king had the potential to occupy numerous posts at once. Imhotep, during King Djoser’s reign, was one of several significant figures in ancient Egyptian history who held numerous positions of authority. The Egyptian architect Imhotep designed and built the step pyramid, Egypt’s oldest pyramid. The genius was also King Djoser’s royal scribe, palace supervisor, royal carpenter, physician, high priest, and prime minister. The finest way to see Imhotep’s museum, go inside King Djoser’s pyramid, and learn about the splendor of Ancient Egypt’s central government is to take a Nile river cruise with one of our Egypt vacation packages.
