Women's Role and Education
Education for women was difficult. Since women had no chance of becoming a scribe or work in the government, they did not know how to read and write. They also learned homemaking skills and how to manage a household by their mothers.
Marriage-
Usually, women got married at a very early age. They were married around 12-13 years old. No big ceremonies were established. Most marriages were assigned by the two families. Family was very important to the Ancient Egyptians. Most men only had one wife and both men and women were expected to be loyal to their spouse. Husbands and wives were generally buried together in the same tomb. Pharaohs were the exception and were usually buried separately from their wives. Although women had equal rights under the law, they were generally considered lower than men in Ancient Egyptian society.
Wealthier women-
Many wealthier women hired servants to do the household work. Unfortunately, only women with strong backgrounds or high class can become a priestess. The priestess is a female priest. It was rare for lower ranking people to become priestesses.
Jobs-
Some women worked as entertainers as musicians and dancers. Other women had other jobs such as selling perfumes, cosmetics, and clothing. To learn more about Ancient Egyptians jobs, check out the DAILY LIFE & SOCIAL STRUCTURE page.
Marriage-
Usually, women got married at a very early age. They were married around 12-13 years old. No big ceremonies were established. Most marriages were assigned by the two families. Family was very important to the Ancient Egyptians. Most men only had one wife and both men and women were expected to be loyal to their spouse. Husbands and wives were generally buried together in the same tomb. Pharaohs were the exception and were usually buried separately from their wives. Although women had equal rights under the law, they were generally considered lower than men in Ancient Egyptian society.
Wealthier women-
Many wealthier women hired servants to do the household work. Unfortunately, only women with strong backgrounds or high class can become a priestess. The priestess is a female priest. It was rare for lower ranking people to become priestesses.
Jobs-
Some women worked as entertainers as musicians and dancers. Other women had other jobs such as selling perfumes, cosmetics, and clothing. To learn more about Ancient Egyptians jobs, check out the DAILY LIFE & SOCIAL STRUCTURE page.