The Servants of Khonsu in Thebes Neferhotep and its Hierarchy of ḥm-nṯr Priests during the Twenty-First Dynasty

A new prosopography of Khonsu's cult personnel reveals that by the Twenty-First Dynasty, a subordinate clergy—active across Karnak’s multiple sanctuaries but central to Theban religious life—emerged, significantly expanding administrative and ritual roles. This hierarchy, led by the newly contextualized office of Third ḥm-nṯr priest, sheds light on Thebes’ cultic and bureaucratic evolution during this pivotal transition from Ramesside prominence to the later period. By analyzing biographical and genealogical records, the study uncovers how Khonsu’s worship became increasingly institutionalized while remaining subordinate to Amun’s clergy.

Villar Gómez, A. M. (2017). The Servants of Khonsu in Thebes Neferhotep and its Hierarchy of ḥm-nṯr Priests during the Twenty-First Dynasty. Journal of Egyptian History, 10(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1163/18741665-12340031