Contributions in Administration
During the reign of Seti I Memphis was maintained as the capital of Administration and Thebes in Upper Egypt continued to be the religious district of Egypt. In addition to its religious significance, Thebes was a centre of Egyptian administration as well.
The issue of corruption among the officials of the government was one which the New Kingdom Pharaohs faced. Dealing with the officials consumed a large portion of Seti’s role in administration. This is evident in Seti's 'Great Edict' (similar to the edict issued by Horemheb) which threatened officials with severe punishments including severing body parts (noses, ears), lashes, bodily wounds, and punishment of the accused's family as a consequence of interfering with his building projects. The Edict also stated that Seti's new temple at Abydos and royal goldmines were under government protection.
Seti I was portrayed as having an active role in administration. Inscriptions found near Edfu dated to his 9th regnal year describe Seti personally inspecting gold mines in the Sinai. The use of biased, emotive language within the inscription portrays Seti as a thoughtful and selfless leader.
The issue of corruption among the officials of the government was one which the New Kingdom Pharaohs faced. Dealing with the officials consumed a large portion of Seti’s role in administration. This is evident in Seti's 'Great Edict' (similar to the edict issued by Horemheb) which threatened officials with severe punishments including severing body parts (noses, ears), lashes, bodily wounds, and punishment of the accused's family as a consequence of interfering with his building projects. The Edict also stated that Seti's new temple at Abydos and royal goldmines were under government protection.
Seti I was portrayed as having an active role in administration. Inscriptions found near Edfu dated to his 9th regnal year describe Seti personally inspecting gold mines in the Sinai. The use of biased, emotive language within the inscription portrays Seti as a thoughtful and selfless leader.
“…on this day, as His Majesty inspected the hill-country as far as the region of the mountains, his heart desired to see the mines from which fine gold is brought…After many miles, he halted in order to take counsel with his heart and he said: ‘How evil is the journey without water! How might a traveller quench his thirst, as the plains are far away and the mountains are vast? Let me supply their needs. I will create a supply of water for them, so they will thank God in my name for many years to come. The future generations will glorify me because of my strength and because I am kind-hearted towards travellers.”
Similarly, Seti’s concern for others was expressed in a Silsila quarry inscription from year 6 of his reign:
“His Majesty brought together a King's Messenger with a body of 1000 men of the army and likewise (ships furnished) with their crews, in order to ferry monuments of fine hard sandstone for his father Amen-re, and for Osiris and his
conclave of Gods.
Now His Majesty increased what was issued to the army force, in terms of ointment, beef, fish, and plenty of vegetables without restriction. Every man of them had 4lbs. of bread daily, daily; and a bundle of vegetables, a portion of roast meat and 2 sacks of grain monthly.
They worked for His Majesty with a loving heart- his ideas were pleasing in the opinion of the people who were with
the King’s Messenger…”
Silsila was where Egypt obtained sandstone blocks used for the pharaohs building projects. The generous treatment of his workmen described in the inscription was a strategy which encouraged great support for Seti's building program and would have resulted in rapid progress being made on his monuments.
Therefore, Seti I took his role in administration very seriously. It was a great responsibility which encompassed many of the roles of the pharaoh detailed on this website (i.e. religious leader, warrior pharaoh) but mainly focused on organising all members of administration. Seti appeared to take a number of different approaches: intimidation and threats as evidenced by his Great Edict or rewards and kind treatment to gain support in the case of his army and thirsty travellers.
Therefore, Seti I took his role in administration very seriously. It was a great responsibility which encompassed many of the roles of the pharaoh detailed on this website (i.e. religious leader, warrior pharaoh) but mainly focused on organising all members of administration. Seti appeared to take a number of different approaches: intimidation and threats as evidenced by his Great Edict or rewards and kind treatment to gain support in the case of his army and thirsty travellers.