Mentju

Warriors and Nomads

The people inhabited a region between northeastern Egypt up to the Sinai Peninsula. They were counted among the Nine Bows, which also included the Syrians and the Tanis. The Mentju were particularly warlike by nature. They were counted among the desert nomads, who were also mentioned among the various biblical tribes. They sustained their tribe mainly through raids.

Population areas of the tribe

The Mentju were mainly present in the region of Mentiu-nu-Setjet. The region encompassed the desert areas where the people retreated after raids. The tribal leaders of the Mentju were also mentioned in the Old Testament. Since the Mentju traveled a lot on their looting expeditions, the tribe was referred to as a nomadic people. Acts of war were commonplace and the tribe thus earned its reputation. Subjugation by the Mentju could not be expected, as their readiness to fight was ever-present. Thus, negotiations with the tribe of the Mentju were rarely possible.