“But what of their temperament? History tells us that the typical Egyptian of the Old Kingdom was of a relatively gentle and charitable nature. Although future events would modify these characteristics, this man seemed made for peace and not for war. In fact, men eligible for service would occasionally take refuge in the hills at the time of army recruitment. Brugsch remarks that ‘… in the schools the poor scribe’s child sat on the same bench beside the offspring of the rich… Above all things they esteemed justice, and virtue had the highest value in their eyes. The law which ordered them to honor the dead; to give bread to the hungry, water to the thirsty, clothing to the naked’—reveals to us one of the finest qualities of the old Egyptian character—pity towards the unfortunate.’ In regards to the status of women, Egypt followed the social pattern characteristic of black culture, originating from a strong matrilineal foundation. The queen and the other ladies of the royal family were for the most part honored with sacred dignity of ‘prophetess of the goddesses Hathor and Nit;’… Ba-en-neter enacted as a standing rule forever, that women should inherit the throne. The working of this new custom had important consequences in the establishment of many a dynasty… [and] According to the ancient custom the mother’s pedigree had great weight in the order of inheritance.’ Roles in the Old Kingdom appear to have been interchangeable; men often worked at the loom [Cloth making machine] and women frequently managed the business.” Article by Wayne Chandler title “Of Gods and Men: Egypt’s Old Kingdom” Book “Egypt revisited” Editor Ivan Van Sertima Page 141
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 09:35:38 +0000
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