Egypt Overview

-- In general, the work of the upper and middle class woman was limited to the home and family. This was not due to an inferior legal status, but was probably a consequence of her customary role as mother and bearer of children. Women could and did hold male administrative positions in Egypt. Such cases are few, however, and appear to be the exceptions to the rule. Lower class women did, however, function as middle class housekeepers, servants, field hands, and all manner of skilled workers.

-- Marriage was a very important part of ancient Egyptian society. Some people say it was almost a duty to get married. Husbands could marry more than one wife and people of close relations (first cousins or brothers and sisters) could also wed one another. For the most part, however, incest was frowned upon, except in the royal family, where incest was used to safeguard the dynastic succession.

-- Sex played an integral role in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. They saw life as a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and were, therefore, not modest about their sexuality.

-- Pregnancy was highly valued in ancient Egypt. Fertility equaled success for women. Men needed to prove their “manliness” by fathering as many children as they possibly could.

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