Social and political networks of provincial elite families in New Kingdom Egypt

Vincent Chollier's Rseaux de pouvoir en Haute-gypte explores the political strategies of provincial elites in Upper Egypt during the New Kingdom (1539( -1077 BC) BC).By combining prosopography, social anthropology and Social Network Analysis (SNA), Chollier examines how the provincial clergy engaged with royal power, tracing a shift from a centralised court society under the Eighteenth Dynasty to decentralised, network-based structures during the Ramesside period.According to the author, this evolution ultimately led to the gradual decline of Pharaonic influence over southern Egypt.The book originates from Chollier's PhD dissertation, 'Administrer les cultes provinciaux en gypte au Nouvel Empire (1539-1077 av.J.-C.)', which was accepted at Lumire Lyon 2 University in 2017.Its originality lies in its interdisciplinary approach, integrating historical, archaeological and prosopographic data with kinship anthropology and SNA.The Introduction and 'Prolgomnes: l'tude des rseaux relationnels en gyptologie' define the research scope and methodological framework, with particular emphasis on the fundamental principles of network theory and Social Network Analysis.It should be noted, however, that the bibliography has not been fully updated since the dissertation's submission, and some significant contributions have been overlooked (for the most recent overview see Brughmans & Peeples 2023; Brughmans et al 2024; Stefanovic 2024).In Chapter 1 'Les lites du Nouvel Empire: l'emprise du clerg?',Chollier examines the dynamics of elite power structures, questioning the assumption of priestly dominance in provincial politics.Through prosopographical analysis, the author uncovers the overlapping religious, administrative and military functions of the members of Upper Egyptian elite, emphasising fluid power networks rooted in familial ties and strategic marriages.Highranking priests controlled vast economic resources, temple estates and local administrations, but Chollier challenges the notion of their absolute power.Instead, he highlights the balance of influence between the clergy, the royal court and other elite factions.Network theory illustrates that power flowed not only vertically from the pharaoh but also horizontally across families and institutions.Genealogical reconstructions reveal long-term strategies of influence, particularly through temple appointments and inter-elite marriages.