The Women of Ancient Egypt

Joshua J. Mark
by
published on
bookmark_addbookmark_addedSave Collection

The women of ancient Egypt were highly regarded. Although the man was the head of the household, the woman made sure that household functioned as it was supposed to. Female deities were among the most popular in ancient Egypt and so it is no surprise that women enjoyed a higher status there than in many other ancient civilizations.

This collection presents a series of articles on women in ancient Egypt, excluding specific articles on female rulers which are covered in the collection on Queens of Egypt.

Articles & Definitions

Women in Ancient Egypt
Article

Women in Ancient Egypt

Women in ancient Egypt were regarded as the equals of men in every aspect save that of occupation. The man was the head of...
Women's Work in Ancient Egypt
Article

Women's Work in Ancient Egypt

Women in ancient Egypt had greater rights than in any other civilization of the time. They could own land, initiate...
Fashion & Dress in Ancient Egypt
Article

Fashion & Dress in Ancient Egypt

Fashion in ancient Egypt epitomized the concept of simplicity and ease in movement and remained relatively unchanged...
Female Physicians in Ancient Egypt
Article

Female Physicians in Ancient Egypt

A famous story from Greece relates how a young woman named Agnodice wished to become a doctor in Athens but found...
Love, Sex, and Marriage in Ancient Egypt
Article

Love, Sex, and Marriage in Ancient Egypt

Although marriages in ancient Egypt were arranged for communal stability and personal advancement, there is...
Tattoos in Ancient Egypt
Article

Tattoos in Ancient Egypt

Tattoos are an ancient form of art appearing in various cultures throughout history. One of the earliest (and possibly...
Music & Dance in Ancient Egypt
Article

Music & Dance in Ancient Egypt

Music and dance were highly valued in ancient Egyptian culture, but they were more important than is generally thought...
Great Female Rulers of Ancient Egypt
Article

Great Female Rulers of Ancient Egypt

Women in ancient Egypt had more rights than in any other ancient culture and were valued with greater respect...
God's Wife of Amun
Definition

God's Wife of Amun

The position of God's Wife of Amun was one of the most politically powerful and spiritually significant in later Egyptian history...
The Five Gifts of Hathor: Gratitude in Ancient Egypt
Article

The Five Gifts of Hathor: Gratitude in Ancient Egypt

The central cultural value of ancient Egypt was ma'at – harmony and balance – which maintained the...

Illustrations

Questions & Answers

Why were women valued so highly in ancient Egypt?

The ancient Egyptians valued the feminine principle, as exemplified in their many goddesses, and so women were regarded highly.

Could women own and sell property in ancient Egypt?

Yes. Many women owned, managed, and sold property in ancient Egypt.

Were women the first brewers in ancient Egypt?

Yes. Women were the first brewers in ancient Egypt until it was taken over by men.

Could women be doctors in ancient Egypt?

Yes. There is evidence of great female physicians in ancient Egypt dating back to the Early Dynastic Period in Egypt (c. 3150-c. 2613 BCE).
Subscribe to this author

About the Author

Free for the World, Supported by You

World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization. Please support free history education for millions of learners worldwide for only $5 per month by becoming a member. Thank you!

World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization. Please support free history education for millions of learners worldwide for only $5 per month by becoming a member. Thank you!

Become a Member  

Support Us Remove Ads