This book presents a groundbreaking perspective that challenges traditional narratives about women’s roles in Early Dynastic and Pyramid Age Egypt. This book sheds light on the significant involvement, influence, and impact of women in the socioeconomic structures of the early Egyptian state.

Previous title studies have often focused on male titleholders and relegated female vocations to the private sector. Examining women’s titles and iconography through a theoretical lens presents a compelling argument supported by statistical data for re-evaluating women’s engagement in critical structures of Egyptian society. It features a catalogue of over 1400 women comprising a cross-section of various classes of women and an index of 156 titles. The interdisciplinary approach employs sociological frameworks to determine women’s access to social power and engagement in Egypt’s political, economic, and ideological domains. This contribution goes beyond traditional analyses of power structures, including heterarchical networks and political power.

AUTHOR

Sue Kelly holds a PhD in Egyptology from Macquarie University. She is a researcher dedicated to shedding light on the contributions and impact of ancient Egyptian women on society by exploring their social power.

REVIEW

‘Kelly compiles a vast collection of information that is clearly and logically presented from a variety of vantage points: the economic domain, the ideological domain, and the social domain. The breadth of information collected in this publication is noteworthy; its organization is much appreciated for its clarity and logical flow of information. I am very excited to own a copy of this excellent book.’ Solange Ashby, Assistant Professor of Egyptology and Nubian Studies (UCLA)