Egypt has the first organized government in the world. Before the Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt united, each region was ruled by a king. In 3100 BC, after unification of the country in a central system of government, administratively divided into 42 provinces. There was a ruler at the head of each territory, but he followed the Pharaoh and obeyed him.

The Pharaoh was the highest authority and had full sovereignty over the people; he had full control over the executive and legislative branches of the Government and was supported by a large number of appointed civil servants. In his selection of these assistants, the pharaoh took into account the rules of seniority and education.

Senior government officials, in the era of the old state, held senior positions such as members of the royal court, advisers or ministers, or members of the Supreme Council of Government. The position of the Royal Footnote has increased in size over time to cover religious, civil, judicial and military functions and missions. The position of Chancellor was the highest in the State, but the Chancellor was not a member of the Supreme Council of Government. The Council was composed of senior State officials who were entrusted with the enforcement of royal legislation and decrees and later assumed judicial functions. The Minister was the Chief Justice.

A number of administrative officials specialize in dealing with taxes, financial affairs, public works and manpower distribution on various projects. Egypt was the first country to apply a system of workers in government projects, such as crafts, industry, agriculture and construction.

There were courts throughout Egypt. Contracts and papyri, which contained provisions and petitions, were evidenced; however, there were specific fixed laws relating to day-to-day transactions such as inheritance, marriage, gifts, wills, land ownership, and other commercial transactions. Everything was recorded in archival (archive); including wills, property contracts, general census lists, orders, tax lists, letters, inventories, regulations and trial records.

During the Greco-Roman era, the Ptolemaic king took the Pharaoh's position; he followed the system of the central government. Because the priests were threatening the invaders' control, the Ptolemies tried to weaken them by stripping the temples of their rights and property. But they soon changed their policy and gained the support of priests by showing respect for Egyptian beliefs and building more temples. The Ptolemies kept the system of dividing the country administratively into provinces; each under the presidency of a governor. The Governor gained military status as a protector and financial manager. Within these territories, there were cities dedicated to the lives of the elite of the Greeks, such as Nkratis, Alexandria, and Ptolemae.

Ptolemies imposed laws banning mixed marriages between Egyptians and Greeks. During that period, the judicial system recognized four legal systems: Egyptians, Greeks and foreigners, Greek cities, and Jews. The "polytome" system, which served as an association of all Greek classes, was introduced and operated through an independent council of a paramilitary nature. He also had social and religious activities that followed the king. The division between the Egyptians and the Greeks did not last long. Some Egyptians became accomplices and administrators, and marriages between Egyptians and Greeks increased gradually;

When Egypt became a Roman province, the Romans did not make any changes: unless necessary. The Roman emperor became Pharaoh Egypt, and pictures of the Egyptian temples wearing the double crown of Pharaoh, and his clothes. The Emperor administered the affairs of Egypt directly, and took command of the Roman army. A new post of administration has been added to the country; the post of Chief Justice.

From the Roman legal point of view, Egypt was divided into two main sections, Romanians and Egyptians. However, the word "Egyptians" was used to refer to all the inhabitants of Egypt; Egyptians, Greeks and Jews. A "head tax" was imposed on Egyptians, but not on Romanian or Alexandrian citizens who had the right to join the army and tax exemption. Under the Roman rule, Egyptians lived a bad life because of high taxes and forced labor. Reforms were introduced in the third century, granting Romanian citizenship to all and abolishing privileges granted to the minority. Emperor Diocletian introduced decentralization of administration.

After Egypt became a state during the reign of the Muslim Caliphate, its rule continued from abroad. The caliph appointed the governor who governs Egypt and runs its affairs in the name of the caliph. The governor oversaw the collection of the "abscess", which represents the tax on agricultural land. Jews and Christians paid taxes, while Egyptians paid zakat. The chief of police was responsible for maintaining security, and the head of the post was responsible for contacts between Egypt and the center of the caliphate.

Tags: Politics
Skip to main content