Ty : An extraordinary courtier of his king : Social network analysis, status race and punctuated equilibria in a complex society
Abstrakt
Ancient Egypt provides a number of excellent examples for the growth and decline of state institutions as well as the agency and historical impact of exceptional kings and individuals. In this contribution, the Fifth Dynasty tomb complex of Ty dated to the reign of Nyuserre (early 24th century BC) is discussed.
Ty was the first of wealthy Old Kingdom officials who initiated the construction of monumental richly decorated tomb complexes for themselves and their families. Ty serves as a specific example of a microcosm illustrating the significance of general trends on which the Ancient Egyptian society of the day operated.
At the same time, it features several characteristics which have theoretical impact and relevance for comparative study of civilisations and their dynamics.