Role Of Women In Ancient Egypt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Role Of Women In Ancient Egypt - Essay Example Hatshepsut reigned until her death in 1457 B. C, despite the constant threat by her co-ruler Thutmose III, who was at the time old enough and ready to take back his throne. Upon her death, most of her monuments were destroyed, and her name erased from the Egyptian records. Ancient Egyptians were religious, and women had several roles to play in religious activities. First, there were several female goddesses worshiped by the Egyptians. Women were also musicians and priestesses in the temples where religious ceremonies were held. In the role of the temple, women were musician-priestesses and held an important and honorable place in Egyptian religious society. They performed music and sung for the god Amum for his entertainment. In the social role, women were supposed to offer companionship and love to the Egyptian men. They also held the role of childbirth. During child delivery, other women acted as midwives to help the expectant woman through the whole process. Women were also responsible for the raising up of the children. Economically, women were allowed to start and run businesses of their own. In addition to this, several jobs were available to them. They included perfume makers, bakers, and weavers among others (Flux 19). To sum it up, in ancient Egypt, unlike other ancient societies, women were given same legal and economic right. Women were allowed to own, manage and even sell their private properties. Through building projects, Hatshepsut ensured the divine property of both herself and her people.