The Mechanisms of Royal Generosity (1939–1760 BCE)

Abstract Gift-giving was, and in many societies still is, one of the key social phenomena. The gifts were more than just goods given to somebody. Economically they represent an important means procure needed goods. Socially, expressed relationships between donors recipients was among for individual exercise power over another. present study is conceived as a first step understanding complex problem gift-giving during Middle Kingdom. Its main aim outline patterns royal generosity visible Twelfth Dynasty ( c .1939–1760 BCE ) textual sources contextualize them with respect general findings evolutionary psychology Social Exchange Theory.