Excavations of the Egyptian strongholds in Canaan from the period of the Empire have revealed Egyptian-style residences resembling New Kingdom domestic architecture in Egypt. Such structures have been termed “Governor’s Residences,” as they are believed to have been the seats of the chief Egyptian officials stationed in Canaan. The identity of most of these officials is unknown, with the exception of Ramessesweser- khepesh, governor of Beth Shean during the reign of Ramesses III, whose name and titles have survived on architectural fragments from the site. In contrast to the political structure of pharaonic Egypt, which was based on the concept of a single unified kingdom, the political structure of Canaan was based on individual city states, each with its own ruler. The names of many of these rulers are known from the Amarna letters. Their images display a mixed Egyptian-Levantine style, attesting to the emulation of Egyptian culture by the local elite.