Women in ancient Egypt had more legal and economic rights than in many other ancient societies. They could own and sell property, sign contracts, run businesses, divorce and serve as priestesses, and a few ruled as queens or pharaohs. This guide covers the role of women in religion, politics, work and family life, and shows where you can see their stories in Egypt today.
Women served as priestesses and temple musicians, and the title God’s Wife of Amun gave some royal women real religious and political power. Goddesses such as Isis and Hathor were among the most loved in the country. See our Egyptian gods and goddesses guide.
Queens often shared power. A few women ruled in their own right, including Sobekneferu, Hatshepsut and Cleopatra VII. Hatshepsut ruled as pharaoh around 1470 BC; visit her temple at Deir el-Bahari and read the Hatshepsut Temple guide.
Women worked as weavers, bakers, brewers, musicians and dancers, and managed estates. Records show women owning land and running workshops. A smaller number worked in medicine and as midwives, although literacy was limited.
Marriage was usually a simple arrangement without a religious ceremony, and a woman kept control of her own property. Mothers were respected, and tomb scenes often show couples together with their children.
Yes. They could own, inherit and sell property in their own name.
Yes, including Sobekneferu, Hatshepsut and Cleopatra VII.
Yes. Women served as priestesses and temple musicians.
At the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Queens and in the Egyptian and Luxor museums.
Ancient Egyptian women had unusual freedom for their time. The best way to see it is to visit Hatshepsut’s temple and the tombs of queens on the West Bank of Luxor.
Book this experience: Private Full-Day Tour to Explore the West Bank of Luxor from $25.
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