Metjen

Metjen was an Egyptian landowner and official who lived during the Third Dynasty and died during the reign of King Sneferu, the founder of the Fourth Dynasty. Metjen wasn’t a member of the royal family out of which the highest officials of the time were elected. His father was also a scribe and judge in the king’s service. Metjen started his career working as a chief scribe and overseer of the provision magazine. After the state control over the king’s subjects strengthened, the king was forced to employ competent literate officials outside the lines of the royal family. Metjen was one of them. Eventually Metjen became the governor of the Delta region and owner of the vast tracts of land which he received as remuneration for his service. His tomb at Saqqara contains reliefs which provide details of the political, social and religious aspects of the Old Kingdom.