Bebi (vizier)

Bebi was an ancient Egyptian official who served as vizier during the reign of pharaoh Mentuhotep II of the Eleventh Dynasty, during the First Intermediate Period and early Middle Kingdom. His primary period of service appears to have been during the later part of Mentuhotep II's reign, a time of significant political and territorial consolidation in Egypt.

As vizier, Bebi was the highest-ranking official in the land after the pharaoh, responsible for overseeing the administration of the country. His duties would have encompassed a wide range of activities, including managing state finances, supervising construction projects, administering justice, and overseeing the collection of taxes. He essentially acted as the pharaoh's chief advisor and executor.

Evidence for Bebi's existence and role comes primarily from his tomb (TT36) located in Deir el-Bahri, near Thebes. The tomb contains inscriptions and reliefs that depict Bebi performing his official duties and highlight his relationship with Mentuhotep II. He is also mentioned in other contemporary texts and inscriptions.

Bebi's tenure as vizier is notable because it coincides with a period of transition in Egyptian history. Mentuhotep II successfully reunited Upper and Lower Egypt after a period of fragmentation, establishing the Middle Kingdom. Bebi would have played a crucial role in implementing the pharaoh's policies and solidifying his rule. The stability and prosperity of the early Middle Kingdom can, in part, be attributed to the effective administration provided by officials like Bebi.