A Study of Biographical Inscription of Methen

摘要

The biographical inscription of Methen is the earliest biography in ancient Egypt.The details of economic and administrative aspects mentioned in the biography have provided some evidence which may suggest a decisive break for the ruling power from the relatively shifting control during the very early stage of dynastic period to the absolute central governance of both manpower and materials in the Old Kingdom that can also be signified,for instance,by the pyramid building in the 4a Dynasty.This document may therefore mirror the constitution of ancient Egyptian civilization during this transitional time.