Feminism in ancient Egypt

Although living under the reign of pharaohs, the ancient Egyptian women still hold many important positions in the political system, even becoming queen to govern the country.

Illustration of Cleopatra, one of the most famous queens in ancient Egyptian history.(Photo: Wallpaper).

According to Ancient Origins, many people believe that ancient women hold very little power. But ancient Egyptian women could become physicians serving the royal family, political advisers, historical writers, or even rule the country with far-reaching influence.

The first female ruler in ancient Egyptian history was Merneith , living in the First Dynasty. She was the regent queen around 2970 BC.

After thousands of years of equal rights in men and women in society, Ptolemy IV tried to prevent this long tradition by changing the law and canceling many women's rights.

But Egyptian women do not want to accept a patriarchal, male-controlled society. They continue to fight for rights, until the Egyptian civilization ends. Scientists believe that the role of the Egyptian woman remained stable for more than 3,000 years and faded from 415.

Almost all ancient Egyptian women belong to the aristocracy and many other classes are literate, such as wives of workers, painters, masons. They learn to write letters to exchange letters with their husbands. They also write about difficulties in everyday life, about emotions and what's important around.

Women can also become scribes of royal history, like men. Exams and opportunities are divided equally for both men and women. Some ancient Egyptian women worked as prime ministers, the highest officials in the political system that served the pharaoh. Nebet, wife of the Khui noble, holds the position of prime minister under the pharaoh Pepi I dynasty of the 6th dynasty. Nebet's children, including Ankhesenpepi I and Ankhesenpepi II, became Pepi I.

Nebet is a strong woman. When she came to power, she controlled the construction of pyramids and many pharaoh memorial works.

In Ptolemy V, another woman also became prime minister: Queen Cleopatra I Syra, mother of Cleopatra II, Ptolemy VI and Ptolemy VIII. She was born in 204 BC, the daughter of King Antiochus III the Great and his wife Leodice.