From: mk_thisisit
Ancient Egyptian society exhibited unique social dynamics, particularly regarding the status of women, marriage, and ethical norms. Research into the daily lives and artistic expressions of ancient Egyptians reveals a society that, in many aspects, valued and respected women, and whose cultural practices often influenced subsequent traditions.
The Status of Women
In ancient Egypt, women generally enjoyed considerable respect, especially if they were mothers of children, a status revered similarly to how mothers are regarded in some Muslim countries today [01:10:15]. Women possessed the right to decide on the roles within a marriage and even its ultimate fate [01:16:16]. This societal structure afforded women a position of relative equality with men [01:10:06].
Women in Leadership
Women also ascended to significant political roles, often during periods of dynastic decline or when male successors were absent or too young to rule [01:12:31]. Notable examples include:
- Nefertiti: The wife of Akhenaten, she played a substantial political role during her husband’s reign [01:12:50].
- Cleopatra: As a prominent queen of the Ptolemaic period, she became a powerful figure when male rulers were unable to cope [01:12:28].
- Hatshepsut: A woman who became a pharaoh during a time when the rightful successor, Thutmosis III, was too young for the throne [01:15:57]. Her reign, along with those of other influential queens, highlights the turbulent yet significant periods where women led the state [01:16:15].
- Henti Kaus: A debated figure at the close of the Fourth Dynasty, her tomb suggests she may have been the last pharaoh of that era, closing the period of the great pyramids [01:13:46].
Marriage and Family Life
Marriage in ancient Egypt was considered sacred [01:11:40] and formalized through a contract [01:11:01]. This contract meticulously detailed aspects such as dowry and the future division of assets, a practice reminiscent of contemporary Muslim traditions [01:10:54]. Even in their erotic poetry, wives were often affectionately referred to as “sisters” [01:10:37]. Despite the sacred nature of marriage, marital betrayals were not uncommon [01:11:40].
Social Norms and Ethics
The concepts of morality and individual ethics in ancient Egypt were significantly influenced by social class [01:11:48]. For instance, the Pharaoh, being at the apex of society, could afford almost anything, often having several official wives and even engaging in relationships with the wives of his subordinates [01:11:54].
Eroticism and Nudity
Ancient Egyptians were not considered prudish by modern standards [01:10:01]. Their art, including what might be described as “pseudo-pornography,” demonstrates an openness regarding sexual matters [01:17:20]. Nudity was not seen as strange or frightening [01:09:08]. Even in temples, depictions of gods like Min with an erect phallus were common, signifying fertility, which was considered the most sacred aspect of life for securing a future in the afterlife and leaving descendants on Earth [01:08:34], [01:09:20].
Rituals and Religious Influence
Many Christian traditions, especially rituals, have parallels in ancient Egyptian practices [01:04:13]. Processions, singing, elements of dance, incensing, and carrying statues were all present in ancient Egyptian religious ceremonies [01:04:36]. Even the Muslim world adopted some types of events from antiquity [01:04:52].
The concept of confession also finds a precursor in ancient Egyptian “negative confession,” documented in texts like the Book of the Dead. In this practice, the deceased would affirm to the gods what they had not done [01:06:01].
Social Environments and Private Spaces
Ancient Egyptian temples were not merely buildings but vast temple complexes with numerous nooks and ritual structures, which could host a variety of activities, including some considered “terrifying” [01:07:06].