The
vizier ( or ) was the highest official in
Ancient Egypt to serve the king, or
pharaoh during the
Old,
Middle, and
New Kingdoms.
Vizier is the generally accepted rendering of ancient Egyptian
tjati,
tjaty etc., among
Egyptologists. The
Instruction of Rekhmire (
Installation of the Vizier), a New Kingdom text, defines many of the duties of the
tjaty, and lays down codes of behavior. The viziers were often appointed by the pharaoh, most from loyalty or talent.