Sefetu (died 48 BCE), also known as the Firebrand, was the governor of Sais who had aligned himself with Taharqa, a member of the Order of the Ancients, during the 1st century BCE.
Biography[]
In the mid 1st century BCE, Sefetu served as the governor of Sais, operating from Fort Nikiou. During his tenure, the townsfolk were heavily taxed by Sefetu for their goods.[1] Failing to pay resulted in harsh punishments, leading many townsfolk to leave the town in secret, aided in this by the master brewer Harkhuf, and the smuggler Jeska.[2] In addition, Zervos, the harbormaster, helped many of the townsfolk hide their goods in his warehouse to prevent taxation. However, Sefetu eventually discovered Zervos' operations and sent his men after the merchant, declaring him wanted.[3]
In 48 BCE, Sefetu discovered Jeska's smuggling of the townsfolk of Sais, resulting in her capture. Jeska was brought to Fort Nikou, where she was tortured by Sefetu with a firebrand, thus gaining him the nickname Firebrand. Despite Sefetu's efforts, Jeska was able to escape the fort and resumed her activities shortly thereafter.[2] As retaliation, Sefetu had Harkhuf captured and brought to the fort as well, awaiting punishment.[4]
After the Medjay Bayek of Siwa was buried alive by Taharqa, his weapons and armor were kept within a chest alongside a note addressed to Sefetu by Taharqa, revealed to be the Scarab and Sefetu's secret master, in Camp Achlys. However, the Medjay escaped the sand and retrieved his weapons and armor along with the note.[5]
Eventually, Sefetu's tenure was ended by Bayek himself, who infiltrated his fort and assassinated him after learning that he kept a key around his neck that was the only means of freeing Harkhuf from his cell.[4]
Appearances[]
References[]