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Maarten Hoogland
@centerofegyptology

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Family drama in 1147 BC? 😥 In ancient Egypt, women had legal rights equal to men. They could testify against their husbands in court, control their property even after marriage (though jointly owned property was divided unevenly), and had the freedom to distribute their wealth as they saw fit. This is exemplified in the will of Naunakht, a woman who lived in Thebes during the New Kingdom around 1147 BC. Naunakht had two marriages and eight children. In many cultures, all children would inherit equally, but not in ancient Egypt. Naunakht made it clear in her will that she intended to leave her property to the five of her eight children who cared for her in her old age, disinheriting the other three. Her son, Qenherkhepeshef, received special treatment, inheriting a significant portion of her estate, including a valuable bronze washing-bowl. In between these extremes, her daughter Menatnakht received a portion of her property but was excluded from sharing some specific resources. A year after the will was created, the family had to confirm their acceptance of its terms in a legal hearing. This document not only sheds light on ancient Egyptian law but also provides insight into the dynamics of an ancient Egyptian family. Naunakht was a woman of her own mind, and her will offers fascinating glimpses into her world. The will was created in the third year of Ramesses V’s reign, around 1147 BC, and was witnessed by fourteen individuals. In it, Naunakht expressed her wishes for the distribution of her property and outlined her reasons for disinheriting certain children while favoring others. This historical record offers valuable insights into the legal and family dynamics of ancient Egypt. #History #AncientEgypt #Egypt #Archaeology #Ägypten #Egitto #مصر