In ancient Egypt, scribes played an important role in society. Often referred to as “the scribe of the gods” or “the voice of the gods”, scribes were highly revered because they could record and interpret the laws, speak for kings and pass documents between leaders.
The most gifted people in ancient Egypt were the scribes. They could read and write hieroglyphics as well as other writing systems. Scribes had a high ranking in society and often received nice wages, homes and prestige for their duties. They usually resided in palaces or temples and handled the laws, documents and archives. In addition, scribes were expected to interpret the laws of society and advise rulers on various matters.
The general role of scribes in ancient Egypt was to record the stories and events that had happened in the past, as well as compile and analyze data. Furthermore, they had to record measures and bills of sale, create legal documents, tax records and register land ownership, among other duties. Ancient scribes served both public and private establishments. They also composed letters and petitions, and even corrected and organized books for private libraries.
Naturally, being a scribe required a thorough knowledge of Egyptian writing and literature. To become a scribe, a person had to demonstrate their written ability, knowledge of representing symbols and understand the ancient customs of Egypt. Scribes were usually taught by other scribes how to read, write and understand treaties. Further, they would receive formal training from the places they worked at.
In ancient Egypt, scribes needed to master several writing tools in order to do their job. Animal hide or papyrus was the most popular surface used for writing. Much like in modern day, most scribes used a reed pen, a paintbrush and clay tablets. Although the reed pen was used for drawing symbols, the paintbrush was mainly used for filling in larger areas. Scribes also used a variety of colored inks to make their writings stand out and to add an element of aesthetics.
To illustrate the importance of scribes in ancient Egypt, it is worth mentioning that even the great Pharaoh Thutmose III had a working scribe as his personal secretary. Scribes were also key players in the fields of tax collection, state administration, temple operations and, of course, communication between states.
Ancient Egypt saw the emergence of various powerful scribes throughout its existence. Officials such as Tjetji, Listening Ear and Paser rose to positions of power due to their ability to read and write with fluency. Some of the most famous realms they were in charge of were the tombs of kings, the houses of the gods and the temples of the gods.
Role of Scribes in Religion
Apart from handling government documents and interpreting laws, ancient scribes were also deeply involved in religious texts and rituals. Many of them were considered to be priests and had a major role in the spiritual life of fellow Egyptians. They were usually the ones who would read and record religious texts and keep the sacred records of the gods.
Scribes were entrusted with keeping records of religious ceremonies, offerings, sacrifices and rituals. This included creating court records, keeping record of spells and incantations from priests, as well as reciting prayers for the gods. This gave them a powerful position in religious and public life.
Moreover, the scribes’ “work” extended beyond the borders of their original hometowns. As messengers or interpreters in foreign countries, they were instrumental in the preservation and propagation of Egyptian culture. They brought knowledge and wisdom from all throughout Egypt to the four corners of the world.
Scribes also played a part in funerary customs. Being able to write prayers and instructions for funerals and their proper execution was essential for offering afterlife preparation in ancient Egypt. Scribes composed memorial texts that were meant to keep people’s names alive in the records of the deceased.
Much like in present times, some scribes held sway in magical sciences as well. Divining the future, interpreting dreams and performing spells were often seen as duties suited for the educated and wise. Many scribe sorcerers and magicians such as Maya, the father of Akhenaten, and Thoth from the Ogdoad were patronized by the royal court.
This goes to show that scribes were a significant part of ancient Egyptian culture. They could hold positions of power and influence as well as serve as spiritual leaders and advisers. Moreover, scribes were instrumental in keeping society’s memories alive as they wrote down the stories of kings and gods throughout centuries.
Scribes in Everyday Life
Scribes had a daily presence in the life of ancient Egyptians. They wrote letters, kept ledgers of all kinds, and managed vast estate records. In so doing, they made it possible for people to conduct business, manage credit lines and enforce contracts in both public and private life.
The craft of scribes played a critical role in the taxation system of ancient Egypt. Not only did it help collect revenue but also kept an organized list of who should pay taxes and how. Scribes also kept records of who owned large estates and land, which was crucial information for the preservation of the prosperous kingdom.
Scribes were also a major part of the education system. Aspiring students had to learn how to read and write in order to pass their examinations. Ancient Egypt employed scribes to teach the children of wealthy families, who were also responsible for organizing the exams and grading the results.
The art of scribes in Egypt was also responsible for transmitting knowledge from the old masters to the new scribes. Most scribes worked according to a “scribe- apprenticeship” system, in which the master would teach his new student everything he needed to know from reading to writing and archiving. This system of “horizontal teaching” encouraged young scribes to specialize in various scribing areas so to create the perfect blend of technical expertise and managerial skills.
Apart from communication and education, scribes also had a part to play in the legal system of ancient Egypt. Scribes were essential for filing petitions, enforcing laws, keeping records of court verdicts, and helping the justices by writing down historical documents and important decisions.
The everyday lives of ancient Egyptians were evidently enriched by the work of scribes. Not only could they help with mundane tasks such as writing letters, but also with legal and religious matters. Such a role made it possible for people to get their daily tasks done with efficiency and accuracy.
The Role of Laws and Regulations
Just like with any profession, there had to be laws and regulations that protected the rights of both scribes and their employers. In ancient Egypt, the laws for scribes were written in the literature known as “The Scrolls of Matters”.
Most laws pertained to the daily lives of scribes as well as the wages they were entitled to in exchange for their work. It includes other informative texts regarding the protection of scribes from those trying to misuse their power and take advantage of these talented individuals.
Though the laws were written in a simple manner, they had far-reaching implications for the rights of scribes. The salaries were set realistically high to accommodate for the difficult work they performed and the risks they were exposed to.
It is worth noting that these laws were not binding for the scribes themselves, but rather for employers, who could be fined heavily for any legal violations. Moreover, scribes had strict regulations on their working hours and what tasks they could take on.
The laws of the profession set up by the ancient Egyptians attest to the high demand and respected status of scribes in ancient Egypt. These laws served to protect the jobs, salaries and working conditions of a highly respected class of professional servants in society.
Apart from keeping a stable flow of public administration, scribes also had a symbolic meaning for Egyptians. Scribes were seen as holy beings that connected people with the gods and the laws that ruled the land. Therefore, scribes were respected and held in very high regard for the services they provided.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that scribes were the backbone and symbolic figure of Egyptian society, allowing for the efficient running of the kingdom by organizing government documents and records. Not only were they a major part of legal and religious processes but also an essential part of the daily life of ancient Egyptians. They facilitated communication while understanding and interpreting laws, and acted as tutors and advisors to their pupils.
Scribes were essential for the preservation and propagation of ancient Egyptian customs and culture. Therefore, it is no wonder that scribes were held in great esteem for their unique talents and capabilities.
