ck in Greece, “It has been suggested that perhaps Greek women observed Egyptian women and were encouraged to assert themselves.” The women broke from the Greek traditions of segregation in the home, and continuous chaperoning.The picture that emerges from all of the found ancient Egyptian writings is one that shows women not playing a very active or prominent role in the public sphere the way that the men did. Instead, a woman’s ultimate role in society was that of mother and nurturer. She was to be the foundation of the family, upon which all rested. This was not a matriarchal society, but rather the home and the family were the responsibility of the wife. Family played such an important role in the spiritual lives of the Egyptians that it transferred over into daily life. A father’s heir were his most valuable possessions, not only would they continue his legacy, but they would also be in charge of caring for his tomb as he moved along in the afterlife. The role of the caretaker and nurturer was very important; a mother’s family depended upon it.The reliefs that have been found show Egyptian women in the midst of housework. They are shown cleaning, washing clothes, and preparing food. Women could be hired to perform these jobs in the houses of the wealthy; cooking, cleaning, baking bread and brewing beer. They were not alone in these jobs though, men worked alongside in the same capacity as women. The wife was also responsible for caring for the ancestors. She would keep their tombs clean and leave offering at the appropriate times. The wife had the charge of praying for the dead, praying for the safe passage into the next world, and strength and wisdom along their journey.The woman’s role in the Egyptian family is explained by the popularity of the god Iris, the god of support and resource. Iris was the wife of the slain Osiris and the mother of Horus, who would later avenge his fat...
