Setau

Setau
Viceroy of Kush
Setau as depicted on a stela now in the Louvre.
PredecessorHuy (Viceroy of Kush)?
SuccessorAnhotep?
Dynasty19th Dynasty
PharaohRamesses II
FatherSiwadjet
MotherAn, chantress of Amun
WifeNofretmut
BurialTT289 in Thebes

Setau was the Viceroy of Kush in the second half of Ramesses II's reign. Contemporary records show that Setau served in this position from Year 38 until at least Year 63 of Ramesses II's reign.[1] Setau was "a graduate of the royal school" and already enjoyed an impressive record of royal service which is detailed in a long autobiographical inscription carved at Wadi es-Sebua.[1] The temple of Wadi es-Sebua was built for Ramesses II by Setau around 1236 BC or Year 44 of this pharaoh's reign.[2] Eleven of his stela, now in the Cairo Museum, were found in the courtyard of this temple and make it possible to establish his career and understand the precise duties of a viceroy.[2] Setau states:

I was one whom his Lord caused to instructed....as a ward of the palace. I grew up in the royal abode when I was a youth...I was provided for with bread and beer from all the royal meals. I came forth as a scribe from the school, I was appointed to be Chief Scribe of the Vizier; I assessed the whole land with a scroll. A task I being equal to the task.[2]

  1. ^ a b Tyldesley (2001), p. 167
  2. ^ a b c Oakes (2003), p. 203