Metjen

Metjen (also read as Methen) was an ancient Egyptian high official at the transition time from 3rd Dynasty to 4th Dynasty. He is famous for his tomb inscription, which states that he worked and lived under the kings (pharaohs) Huni and Sneferu.

Titles As a high-ranking official, Metjen bore several elite titularies: Confidant of the King (Egyptian: Rekh-neswt). This title allowed Metjen to receive audiences with the pharaoh. Great One of the 'Ten of Upper Egypt''' (Egyptian: Wer-medi-shemaw). The exact meaning of this title is unknown. Some scholars believe it was a title associated with the royal court of justice. Privy council (Egyptian: Sa'ab). There is next to nothing known about this office, but it must have been one of the most prestigious curatorial and political posts of that era (right after the title "Great one of the 'Ten of Upper Egypt'). Administrator of Khepesh (Egyptian: Adj-mer Khepesh). The meaning of the last sign in the inscription is uncertain, but it could designate a certain nome (territories in Egypt). Administrator of the Khasuu-nome (Egyptian: Adj-mer-khasuu). Curator of the endowment estate of King Huni in the Khepesh nome (Egyptian: Heqa-hwt-Huni-khepesh). The location of the estate is unknown, but it is mentioned on the Palermo stone. Khabawsokar, Pehernefer and Akhetaa, They were fellow administrators under the reigns of both Huni and Sneferu. Tomb inscriptions reveal that the reigns of both of these kings were very prosperous. The economy flourished, along with the administrators.

Tomb Metjen's tomb, mastaba L6'', was found in 1842 by the German Egyptologist Carl Richard Lepsius at Saqqara. He excavated the tomb and ordered it's dismantling for preservation. Metjen's tomb chapels are on display at the Egyptian Museum of Berlin. A 47 cm tall granite sculpture was found on site. The Statue of Metjen has an inscription of Metjem's name and titles.