How did Ancient Egyptians balance divine order with the messy reality of daily disputes?
In short: This lecture examines the legal institutions of Ancient Egypt, contrasting the philosophical ideal of Maat with the practical realities of courtroom proceedings. By analyzing specific case studies ranging from tomb robberies to petty theft, it explores how effectively the state managed justice and what happened when the system failed.
The presentation explores the foundational concept of Maat, or 'right conduct,' which served as the intellectual and religious bedrock for the Egyptian legal system. It investigates the roles of various officials and courts, moving beyond theory to examine how these institutions functioned in everyday life through diverse case studies.
Led by Professor Alex Loktionov, the talk draws on his research into judicial titles and the evolution of legal processes. His work includes directing the AHRC-funded Development of Early Constitutional Thought project from 2021 to 2024, which examines the intellectual history of these ancient legal frameworks.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Spotlight Lecture: Judge like an Egyptian: Legal processes and dramas in the Pharaonic courts
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