The Untold Ancient Egyptian Secret: The Fascinating Daily Life of Women in Ancient Egypt

The civilization of ancient Egypt is often hailed as a civilization of wonder, mystery, and grandeur. From the towering pyramids and awe-inspiring artwork to the enigmatic pharaohs and their abundant treasures, this ancient civilization has captured the imagination of people around the world. However, when it comes to the daily lives of its people, a group often overlooked is the women of ancient Egypt.

Women played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian society and had more rights and freedoms compared to their counterparts in other ancient civilizations. Contrary to popular belief, women in ancient Egypt had the autonomy to own property, run businesses, engage in legal disputes, and even become respected rulers. Their lives were far from the passive and oppressed existence that history often portrays women of antiquity to have had.

The Position of Women in Society

In ancient Egypt, women enjoyed a status that was markedly different from the majority of other civilizations in the Ancient Near East. The legal and social position of women in ancient Egypt is a testament to the progressive nature of this ancient society. Women in ancient Egypt were legally recognized as equal to men, able to own property, and pass it on to their children.

Daily Life of Women in Ancient Egypt

by Lisa Sabbahy(Kindle Edition)

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

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While men dominated certain professions such as scribes and high-ranking government officials, women had the freedom to choose careers as well. Some women became priestesses, musicians, dancers, and even doctors. Women in ancient Egypt were highly respected for their intellect and skills.

Mysterious Beauty and Fashion

Ancient Egyptian women were also known for their exquisite beauty and dedication to fashion. They adorned themselves with elaborate jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and ornate headdresses. Cosmetics played a significant role in their daily lives, with both men and women using makeup to enhance their features.

Women in ancient Egypt were also known for their love of perfumes and oils. They would use scented oils and fragrances for both personal and religious purposes. The art of perfume-making was highly developed, and women would often carry small perfume bottles with them, allowing them to stay fragrant all day long.

Education and Family Life

Education was an essential aspect of ancient Egyptian society, and women were not excluded from this pursuit. While formal education was primarily reserved for the elite classes, the daughters of wealthy families had the opportunity to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. This education helped prepare them for their future roles as wives and mothers.

The role of women in ancient Egyptian family life was highly regarded. While marriage was seen as a vital societal duty, women had the right to choose their husbands and initiate divorce if they desired. They were responsible for the upbringing of children and the management of the household.

Everyday Pastimes and Leisure

The daily life of an ancient Egyptian woman was not all work and responsibility. They enjoyed various pastimes and leisure activities, such as playing board games like Senet and Mehen. Music and dancing were also significant aspects of their culture, and women participated in both as performers and audience members.

Ancient Egyptian women also had access to public baths, where they engaged in leisurely activities and socialized with other women. These baths provided a space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Honored Royal Women and Powerful Female Rulers

Some of the most influential women in ancient Egyptian history were the royal women. These women held considerable power and influence, often shaping the course of their dynasties. Queen Hatshepsut, for example, ruled as pharaoh and left a lasting legacy of architectural marvels, such as her mortuary temple in Deir el-Bahari.

Cleopatra, another renowned female ruler, is often associated with the fascination and allure of ancient Egypt. She displayed remarkable political prowess, forming alliances and influencing world events.

The Legacy of Women in Ancient Egypt

While the lives of women in ancient Egypt varied depending on their social status, they undeniably played prominent and influential roles in this ancient civilization. Their rights, freedoms, and achievements were unprecedented for their time and continue to inspire women's empowerment movements today.

The daily life of women in ancient Egypt goes far beyond the stereotypes often perpetuated by history. It is a story of strength, intelligence, beauty, and resilience. It is a testament to the progressive nature of this fascinating civilization.

So, the next time you marvel at the grandeur of the pyramids or the enigmatic presence of the pharaohs, take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge the significant contributions and the daily lives of the remarkable women of ancient Egypt.

Daily Life of Women in Ancient Egypt

by Lisa Sabbahy(Kindle Edition)

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

FREE

This book focuses on the life of women in ancient Egypt, while also putting forth a vast array of information about ancient Egyptians in general. Readers begin with a short but thorough to the three great periods of Pharaonic civilization: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Main chapters include the newest evidence scholars have uncovered at important archeological sites in ancient Egypt.

The scope of this book is wide and all inclusive, even though it is focused on the life of ancient Egyptian women. The topics in the book cover a vast amount of the knowledge we have about the ancient Egyptians, including material on architecture, art, law, education, medicine, food, religion, music, and spiritual beliefs. It is important to point out that royal women are only discussed in one chapter, so that more "ordinary" ancient Egyptians are the focus of the book. This book is also designed to be readable for people without any background knowledge of the time period. Any reader interested in ancient Egypt will discover a great deal of material.