The Role of Women in Ancient Egypt

Compared to most other ancient civilizations, the role of women in Egypt was fairly "liberated". The role of women went far beyond the queens we know today- Nefertiti and Cleopatra, to name two. "Unlike the position of women in most other ancient civilizations, including that of Greece, the Egyptian woman seems to have enjoyed the same legal and economic rights as the Egyptian man- at least in theory" (No author 1).

Yet, these women were not "liberated" quite in the sense of the word we know today. "Women in ancient Egypt were free to conduct themselves as they saw fit, whether as 'Mistress of the House' or as a businesswoman in the marketplace" (Onstine 2). For the first time, according to ancient Egyptian scrolls, a woman is called a "domestic engineer". And, whatever other rank her husband may have held (and most relics come from the elite, rather than common ancient Egyptians) she would always be known by the title of respect, "Mistress of the House".

The "ordinary" or non-royal or elite woman, "could also be involved in activities outside her home. Women contributed to the family's income primarily by selling produce or surplus handicrafts....at the local market" (Onstine 3)

No one is quite sure how or why women had such rights, both in law and property and inheritances. One theory seems to be that "Since Egyptian national identity would have derived from all people sharing a common relationship with the king,. Then...they were...equal to one another" (Anon 3) It is interesting to note that while Egypt was far from an egalitarian society, the differences were based on status and class, not gender.

Some women practiced something considered illegal in ancient Egypt, namely, self-enslavement. That is, they would "hire" themselves out for a term of years, for which they would be paid a salary. "To get around the illegality, the servitude was stipulated only for a limited number of years, although ity ewas usually said to be '99 years'" (Anon 4). Women were often forced to do this as a result of bad debts, or for some sort of financial security. They would receive a monthly stipend for their services.