In the sphere of controlled violence and state-sponsored ‘terrorism' (in its literal sense), ancient Egypt is a prime example and object lesson among the complex societies of the Near East.

During the period of the rapid evolution of the nation state in the Nile Valley, c. 3200-3000 bce, an atmosphere of bellicosity and violent expansion hangs over the incipient society of ‘Big­man', the pharaonic system.

Measures to keep Egyptian society productive and efficient, with no one dropping out through choice, led to the application of coercive force, often involving cruel and unusual punishments. Violent acts, on the other hand, in private society, did not so much concern the authorities if they failed to impair the smooth running of the state. When Egypt won an empire, it carried its mechanisms of violence into the con­quered territories without modification, as might be expected. But quite unexpected is the way in which prescribed and institutionalised violence informed the very belief system of the country, in the creation of the concept of hell.

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