Egyptian Woman: An Account of Life in Everyday Thebes - Tapa dura

Set in Thebes - the religious heart of Egypt - during the reign of Ramesses II, the story follows the life of Nebetiunet (known as Nebet), her sons and daughters and her friends and neighbours. When Nebet was orphaned at the age of ten, she was taken into the household of her Uncle Nebneteru in Thebes and was established as an apprentice seamstress in the linen workshop of the great Temple of Amen-Ra. She later married a young scribe, Amenmose, and had six children in the first nine years of her marriage. When her children were old enough to be left in the care of the household servants Nebet returned to her career in the temple, where she was promoted to the post of Mistress of the Divine Wardrobe, in charge of making and maintaining the sacred vestment and temple linens. Nebet is also a Chantress, a singer in the choir at the Temple of Asheru. The family are involved in numerous festivals, marriages, a harvest, and a funeral before their world is disturbed by preparation for war with the Hittites. This delightful and authentic tale is not to be missed by any reader with an interest in history or ancient Egypt.

Hilary Wilson has taught Egyptology since 1979 and is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Her other works for Michael O'Mara Books are Understanding Hieroglyphs and People of the Pharaohs.