Menkheperraseneb – A High Priest of Amun

My name is Menkheperraseneb (MEN-kheper-RA-Seneb - please be sure to say my name correctly). I am the High Priest of Amun. But why have one title when you can have many..?! You may also refer to me as:

• The Superintendent of Priests of Upper and Lower Egypt,
• The Administrator of the Two Thrones of the God,
• The Superintendent of Advanced Offices,
• The Superintendent of the Double Treasuries of Gold and Silver,
• The Superintendent of the Temple of Thes-Kau-Amun, set over the mysteries of the Two Goddesses, and
• The First Prophet of Amun.

I am the first to wake – even the sun has the decency to wait until I am risen. I bathe in the Sacred Lake, (at that time, I have it all to myself), before preparing for the morning ceremony of the Daily Ritual. It is forbidden for anyone to enter the Ipet-isut - that Holiest of Holies, the most sacred inner sanctuary, where the revered effigy of our God Amun resides. It is a privilege reserved only for the most pious, the most devout, the most… well, me. I feed, wash, clothe and oil the figure of Amun and ensure the air is perfumed with fragrant incense, and I speak the spiritual awakening formula flawlessly. It is SUCH an honour… to be in the presence of Amun, I mean. I can feel the envy of the other lesser priests, especially that Second Prophet... I know he’s just waiting to steal my job – he’s even been spreading rumours that the only reason I got the role was because my mother was a Royal Nurse and my grandmother the foster-sister of the King! What nonsense – it was clearly on merit, and merit alone. Who else would be able to keep up with my schedule and carry out all the responsibilities as impeccably as I..?

Before noon, I preside over the deliveries of agricultural revenues to the Temple from estates from all over Egypt, I inspect the herds and flocks of Amun (their bleating, lowing and honking are all applause for the exceptional job I do), and at harvest time, I oversee the restocking of the Temple’s granaries. I even find the time (just before the midday Daily Ritual) to supervise the receipt of gold from the Coptos desert and inspect the Royal Workshops. It’s thanks to me that they are able to create chariots, jewellery, and furniture fit for a Pharaoh!

In the afternoon, I check the recent architectural additions to the Temple and meet with the King to discuss his further renovation ideas. The King deeply appreciates my wisdom in such matters. Later, a delegation arrives from Crete and Syria, along with some Hittites, all bearing tributes of rare and exotic gifts. I receive them graciously on behalf of the King. On reflection, I should make sure that is reflected in my job description…”Grand Receiver of Royal Tribute”….? Yes, that sounds good...

As night falls, I retreat to my quarters to meticulously review papyri, petitions, and the ritual schedules. Some might call me a micromanager, but those who live Ma’at, will not die.

And so ends another magnificently successful day in the life of me, Menkheperraseneb – a Djed pillar of the community, a jewel in the priesthood and always a humble servant of Amun.