nome

A nome is a territorial division of ancient Egypt, similar to a modern district or province. Each nome was governed by a nomarch.

Nomes, known as "sepat" in ancient Egyptian, were the administrative subdivisions of ancient Egypt. Their number and structure evolved over the millennia, starting with 22 nomes in Upper Egypt and 20 in Lower Egypt during the Old Kingdom, later expanding to 42 nomes under the New Kingdom. Each nome had its own governor, known as a nomarch, who wielded significant power over local resources, agriculture, and temple management. Nomes played a key role in the political and religious organization of Egypt, as they centralized local powers and facilitated better management of territories and their resources. Each nome had its own emblem and administrative center, often linked to an important temple.