Slavery in ancient Egypt

Figure (ushabti) of the slave from a tomb of the Old Kingdom period, Museum of Fine Arts (Budapest)

In ancient Egypt, 80% of the population were slaves or servants.^[1] People could become slaves if they fail to pay their debts; other people sold themselves to slavery because they were unable to have a shelter or to eat.

Terminology

In interpreting textual references to slavery, historians have found difficulty in distinguishing the term "slave" from "servant" or "serf."^[2][3][4]

Work

Slaves and servants were employed for different purposes, including cooking, cleaning, caring for children, gardening, and crafting. The worst for a slave could be working in the mines or quarries. Although they were the master's property, they were treated as part of the family and the women of the house would bring the child slaves up, and were never put to hard work. Slaves in ancient Egypt could also be owners of property and items, unlike modern slavery. They were somewhat independent, also unlike modern slavery; they were allowed to marry not only to themselves, but to non-slaves as well.^[2]

Historians dispute the role that slaves played in the construction of the Great Pyramids. One alternative proposition is that it was peasants who built the pyramids during flooding, when they could not work in their lands.^[5] In addition, historians point out that slaves would never have been buried honorably inside the tombs of the pyramids.^[6]

References

1. David, Rosalie (1 April 1998). The Ancient Egyptians (Beliefs & Practices). Sussex Academic Press. p. 91.
2. Dunn, Jimmy (24 October 2011). "Slaves and Slavery in Ancient Egypt". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
3. "Social classes in Ancient Egypt". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
4. "Slavery in ancient Egypt". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
5. Watterson, Barbara (1997). The Egyptians. Blackwell.
6. "Egypt: New Find Shows Slaves Didn't Build Pyramids". US News. January 12, 2010. Retrieved April 9, 2016.