ABSTRACT
The origins of the priesthood can probably be traced back to Predynastic com-munities, where the village chieftain performed rites for the local deity. With Egypt’s development into a theocracy, the king absorbed the powers and responsibilities of the early leaders, becoming the gods’ earthly representative who maintained universal order and protected the state religion. Ultimately, the king, in turn, delegated this role to the priesthood who performed the divine rituals in his name.
