Rights and Freedoms
The ancient Egyptians saw men and women, as well as people from all social classes but slaves, as basically equal under the law, and even the poorest peasant was allowed to request the vizier (The vizier was the main official in Ancient Egypt to assist the king), and his court for redress. Men and women had the right to own and sell property, create contracts, get married and divorce, collect inheritance, and pursue legal arguments in court. Married couples could own property equally and defend themselves from divorce by approving to marriage contracts, which specified the financial commitments of the husband to his wife and children, should the marriage end. Women such as Hatshepsut and Cleopatra even became pharaohs, while others manipulated power as Divine wives of Amun. Even though these freedoms, ancient Egyptian women did not take part in official roles in the government, only served secondary roles in the temples, and were also not as likely to be as educated as men.
Women in Ancient Egypt
Egyptian WomenMarriage:
One of the women’s rights was the right to choose if they wanted to marry or not. If a man asked a woman to marry him, she could say no. A woman in ancient Egypt couldn’t be forced into getting married. Those who did marry commonly got married quite young, around age 12-14. Once married, a woman's first responsibility was to be a good wife and mother. Children were very important to the ancient Egyptians.
Finances:
Alongside raising the kids and running the household, women were free to get a paid job outside the home if they wanted. They could run a business. They could own, buy, and even sell property. They could make a will and leave their private goods to whoever they chose, as well as their daughters.
Court:
If any female broke the law, she had to go court and support herself from the charge, just like everyone else.
Divorce:
The right of divorce was one of the women’s biggest rights. If a woman wasn’t happy with her marriage, she could get a divorce, and then remarry someone else or stay single. To be allowed a divorce, a woman required to present a good reason in a court of law. If her divorce was decided, she kept custody over her children, plus all of her original gifts if one was brought to the marriage, or its equal worth plus one-third of her husband's wealth. This was done so that she could care for her children easily. Men could also get a divorce, but women still gained custody of her children.
One of the women’s rights was the right to choose if they wanted to marry or not. If a man asked a woman to marry him, she could say no. A woman in ancient Egypt couldn’t be forced into getting married. Those who did marry commonly got married quite young, around age 12-14. Once married, a woman's first responsibility was to be a good wife and mother. Children were very important to the ancient Egyptians.
Finances:
Alongside raising the kids and running the household, women were free to get a paid job outside the home if they wanted. They could run a business. They could own, buy, and even sell property. They could make a will and leave their private goods to whoever they chose, as well as their daughters.
Court:
If any female broke the law, she had to go court and support herself from the charge, just like everyone else.
Divorce:
The right of divorce was one of the women’s biggest rights. If a woman wasn’t happy with her marriage, she could get a divorce, and then remarry someone else or stay single. To be allowed a divorce, a woman required to present a good reason in a court of law. If her divorce was decided, she kept custody over her children, plus all of her original gifts if one was brought to the marriage, or its equal worth plus one-third of her husband's wealth. This was done so that she could care for her children easily. Men could also get a divorce, but women still gained custody of her children.
Men in Ancient Egypt
Egyptian MenThe role of Egyptian men was to build pyramids, buy and sell slaves and grow crops. Most of slaves worked to build pyramids. However, there was also a group of people who were interested in science and geography. Most men were farmers.
Military Men:
To be in the military in ancient Egypt might be difficult, but the officers and men were in good company. It was common for the kings son's to serve and on campaigns, the king usually led his troops into battle. When there were dynastic problems in ancient Egypt, it was frequently the soldier who became king, such as Horemheb at the end of the 18th Dynasty. While there is appreciable evidence of the favors given upon elite troops and officers, evaluating the fate of the common soldier, who didn't leave tombs decorated with scenes from his life, is more difficult.
Military Men:
To be in the military in ancient Egypt might be difficult, but the officers and men were in good company. It was common for the kings son's to serve and on campaigns, the king usually led his troops into battle. When there were dynastic problems in ancient Egypt, it was frequently the soldier who became king, such as Horemheb at the end of the 18th Dynasty. While there is appreciable evidence of the favors given upon elite troops and officers, evaluating the fate of the common soldier, who didn't leave tombs decorated with scenes from his life, is more difficult.