The Egyptians appear to have reversed the ordinary practices of mankind. Women attend markets and are employed in trade, while men stay at home and do the weaving! Men in Egypt carry loads on their head, women on their shoulder. Women pass water standing up, men sitting down. To ease themselves, they go indoors, but eat outside on the streets, on the theory that what is unseemly, but necessary, should be done in private, and what is not unseemly should be done openly.
(Herodotus II: 33-37)
(Herodotus II: 33-37)
Divorce
Divorce was not uncommon in Egypt, either the wife or husband could institute divorce for fault (adultery, abuse or not able to have a baby) or no fault (incompatibility) Divorce was a matter of disappointment but not a disgrace, and it was very common for divorced people to remarry.
In theory Divorce was an easy matter, but in reality it was probably an undertaking complicated enough to encourage couples to stay with each other, especially when property was part of it
If the wife chose to divorce—if uncontested—she could leave with what she brought into the marriage as well as a share (about one to two thirds) of the marital joint property.
In theory Divorce was an easy matter, but in reality it was probably an undertaking complicated enough to encourage couples to stay with each other, especially when property was part of it
If the wife chose to divorce—if uncontested—she could leave with what she brought into the marriage as well as a share (about one to two thirds) of the marital joint property.