ABSTRACT
In this chapter we shall discuss the question of whether, during our research period, Egyptian tribal groups had a political link with a particular territory, over and above their common exploitation of natural resources such as pasture and sources of water. We shall also consider whether there were groups which identified themselves with a defined territory or were thus identified by others. This question leads us to the issue of whether there existed in Egypt at this time chiefships or tribal autonomies within territorial boundaries, and to consideration of the structure of the tribal groupings which existed at the time. Another related question is whether territoriality influenced tribal structure and organization, and whether, and to what extent, it contributed to the development of separate tribal identities and to the relationships between the tribes. The answers to these questions may contribute to our understanding of the relationships between the tribes and the authorities, and the wthe tribal groupings.
