Member-only story

Unveiling the Enigmatic Daily Life of Women in Ancient Egypt

Martin Cox

·11.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Daily Life Of Women In Ancient Egypt

6 min read · 2 weeks before

112 View Claps

17 Respond

Save

Listen

Ancient Egypt, a civilization that has captivated the world for millennia, was a complex and hierarchical society where women played a multifaceted role. Contrary to popular belief, Egyptian women enjoyed a relatively high degree of freedom and influence, shaping the fabric of their families and communities in significant ways.

Daily Life of Women in Ancient Egypt

by Lisa Sabbahy

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6401 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	243 pages

In this comprehensive article, we delve into the enigmatic daily life of women in ancient Egypt, exploring their roles as mothers, wives, daughters, and priestesses, as well as their participation in education, religion, and artistic pursuits. We uncover the challenges they faced, their cherished customs, and the remarkable ways they contributed to the prosperity of ancient Egyptian society.

The Roles of Women in Ancient Egypt

The roles of women in ancient Egypt varied widely depending on their social status and economic circumstances. While women from wealthy families enjoyed a privileged existence, those from lower classes had to work hard to provide for their families.

Mothers and Wives

The primary role for most women was that of mother and wife. Egyptian women were responsible for raising and educating their children, managing the household, and supporting their husbands in their work.

Marriage in ancient Egypt was a sacred institution, and women were expected to be faithful and obedient to their husbands. However, women also had certain legal rights and could own property and file for divorce if necessary.

Daughters

As daughters, young women lived under the protection of their fathers. They were educated, taught household skills, and prepared for their future roles as wives and mothers.

Daughters from wealthy families often had access to better education and could pursue careers in fields such as music, dance, and writing.

Priestesses

In ancient Egypt, women could also serve as priestesses, holding positions of great respect and influence. Priestesses were responsible for performing religious rituals, offering prayers, and maintaining the sanctity of temples.

The most famous female pharaoh, Hatshepsut, was also a high priestess of Amun, the patron god of Thebes.

Education and Religion

While education for women was not as widespread as for men, it was not uncommon for women from wealthy families to receive an education. They could attend schools or be tutored privately in subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, and music.

Religion played a central role in the lives of all ancient Egyptians, including women. Women could participate in religious ceremonies and make offerings to the gods and goddesses. They could also consult priests and priestesses for guidance and support.

Fashion, Beauty, and Entertainment

Ancient Egyptian women had a sophisticated sense of fashion and beauty. They wore elaborate clothing made from fine linen, silk, and wool, and adorned themselves with jewelry made of gold, silver, and turquoise.

Women also wore makeup made from natural ingredients, such as kohl for the eyes and henna for the hands and feet. They enjoyed playing games, listening to music, and attending feasts and other social events.

Challenges Faced by Women

Despite their relatively high status, women in ancient Egypt still faced certain challenges.

Limited Legal Rights

While women had certain legal rights, they were still subject to the authority of their husbands and fathers. They could not initiate legal proceedings or own property without a male guardian.

Polygamy and Divorce

Polygamy was practiced in ancient Egypt, and men from wealthy families often had multiple wives. Women could file for divorce, but it was a complex and difficult process.

Female Infanticide

In times of economic hardship, it was not uncommon for female infants to be killed, as they were considered less valuable than male children.

The daily life of women in ancient Egypt was a rich and complex tapestry of responsibilities, customs, and challenges. From their roles as mothers and wives to their participation in education, religion, and the arts, women played a vital role in the prosperity and stability of ancient Egyptian society.

By understanding the experiences of women in ancient Egypt, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of this ancient civilization and the enduring contributions made by women throughout history.