The Coptos Decree of Nubkheperre Intef is a legal ruling written in hieroglyphic

Egyptian hieroglyphs

Egyptian hieroglyphs were a formal writing system used by the ancient Egyptians that combined logographic and alphabetic elements. Egyptians used cursive hieroglyphs for religious literature on papyrus and wood...

 on the wall of the Min

Min (god)

Min is an Ancient Egyptian god whose cult originated in predynastic times . He was represented in many different forms, but was often represented in male human form, shown with an erect penis which he holds in his left hand and an upheld right arm holding a flail...

-temple in Coptos.

Content of the Decree

The Coptos Decree was issued by Nubkheperre Intef to Minemhet concerning the removal of Teti, Son of Minhotep

Teti, Son of Minhotep

Teti, Son of Minhotep, was an Egyptian official in Coptos during the reign of the Seventeenth Dynasty Pharaoh, Nubkheperre Intef. His only clear attestation is in the Coptos Decree, which deprives him of his office and its stipend for some act of sacrilege. The exact nature of this crime is...

, from his position in the temple. According to the decree, Teti had committed some serious misconduct, which has been interpreted differently by different translators. Teti had either supported the kings' enemies, or had stolen an item from the temple of Min. The wording of the degree probably indicates the latter. The consequences of this crime were serious and far-reaching. The culprit not only lost his offices and emoluments, but he and his family members were excluded from his offices for the future.

Historical significance

The Coptos decree provides the highest documented regnal year for Nubkheperre Intef.