History: Central Themes in the Articles
Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Name and Number
Instructor's Name
Assignment's Due Date
1
Introduction
This paper examines the earliest developed teachings in ancient Egypt: The Instruction of
Ptahhotep and Satire of Trades. The “Instructions of Ptahhotep” addresses various issues and
themes which were an essential part of the Egyptian Culture. By detailing the cultural space in
which the text was influential, the literature aids in the reconstruction of the social setting of the
period. The "Satire of Trades" piece contrasts the challenges of physical labor with the quality of
living of the author. It is written in the style of a father educating his son, but it is a treatise on
class and work in Ancient Egypt. The paper shall proceed as follows: Provide a summary of each
text, discuss the text's themes, and then discuss what can be learned about Egyptian Culture from
the two teachings.
Background
The two writings were produced in ancient Egypt during the First Intermediate Period.
During this time, Egypt's sovereignty was broadly split between two contending power bases:
Heracleopolis in Lower Egypt and Thebes in Upper Egypt.1 Temples were pillaged, the artwork
was defaced, and king statues were demolished during this period of political turmoil, according
to history. There is evidence for believing that all deities are facets of the one primal sun entity
from the New Kingdom onwards. The sun deity is distinguished from the other gods in hymns
written by Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty.2 He is the greatest deity, alone and far out in the
sky, while the other gods, together with humanity and animals, are part of his creation. When
Akhenaten intended to destroy the pantheon and worship just the one sun creator deity, the Aten,
1
2
Lucia Gablin, Creation myths (2007), n.p.
Gablin, Creation myths, n.p.
2
he further carried this notion.3 The two books were created during a time when ancient Egyptians
relied on these gods for all they needed.
When the author was composing the works, he was affected by the cultural practices of
the time. Belief in the benefits of a mortuary cult, for example, where large quantities of products
were continually moving out of circulation in the economy, was a sustaining force in the
society's integration.4 When the Crown began to impose immense control over land, resources,
and labor in the early dynasties, the god-ideology kings legitimized this rule and grew in
prominence as a cohesive belief system. The blooming of early civilization in Egypt was the
outcome of profound changes in sociopolitical, economic, and ideological order.5 This was made
feasible by the vast potential of cereal cultivation on the Nile floodplain. Still, it was also made
possible by Egyptian organizational abilities and the well-developed royal institution.
Instruction of Ptahhotep
Summary
Ptahhotep's Instruction is an ancient Egyptian literary work written by the Vizier
Ptahhotep during the reign of King Djedkare Isesi of the Fifth Dynasty, approximately 2375–
2350 BC.6 Although the Instructions cannot be precisely dated, scholars agree that the Prisse
Papyrus contains the oldest version of the book.7 The Instruction has four known copies, the first
of which is supposed to have been written in the Old Kingdom because it corresponded to the
period's intellectual and social ideas. The remaining copies are thought to have been reported in
3
Gablin, Creation myths, n.p.
Kathryn A. Bard, The Emergence of the Egyptian State (2003), n.p.
5
Bard, The Emergence of the Egyptian State, n.p.
6
Battiscombe Gunn, The instruction of Ptah-hotep and the instruction of Ke'gemni: The oldest
books in the world (Independently Published, 2019), n.p.
7
Robert J. Wenke, The Ancient Egyptian State: The Origins of Egyptian Culture (c. 8000-2000
BC) (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009), n.p.
4
3
the Middle Kingdom. The text's source is the Papyrus Prisse version, which dates from the 12th
Dynasty.8 Other New Kingdom and 12th Dynasty copies, on the other hand, exist with additional
or omitted sentences and word sequence alterations.9
Vizier Ptahhotep was a 96-year-old man about to retire and relinquish his position.10
Because he was willing to step down and abandon his position, Ptahhotep's son was chosen as
the most acceptable replacement after the King's consent. On the other hand, the King thought
the young successor lacked advanced age wisdom and ought to be mentored by those who had.
Typically, a vizier would have just been replaced by an older, more experienced person. As a
result, Vizier Ptahhotep took note of the instructions to counsel his son because the experience
could only obtain wisdom.11 The teching main objective was to establish rules for behavior that
would help the reader or listener get ahead in life and be successful both personally and
financially In general, the material reads like a guidebook on etiquette and good behavior, and it
is clearly intended for nobles and upper-class people The Instructions consisted of various
themes: leadership, greed, relationships, humility, marriage and manners.
Themes
The first theme in the “Instruction of Ptahhotep” is leadership. Ptahhotep, in his text,
describes how those in leadership positions should conduct themselves. "If you are a leader, /
Take responsibility in / the matters entrusted to you, / And you will accomplish things of
note..."12 He went on to say that people who disobey the laws will be punished, as this is the
correct way for a naive person. Ptahhotep also argues that while evil may bring wealth, the
8
Gunn, The instruction of Ptah-hotep, n.p.
Gunn, The instruction of Ptah-hotep, n.p.
10
Gunn, The instruction of Ptah-hotep, n.p.
11
Gunn, The instruction of Ptah-hotep, n.p.
12
Nels M. Bailkey and Richard Lim, Readings in Ancient History: Thought and Experience from
Gilgamesh to St. Augustine (Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2012), n.p.
9
4
strength of truth lasts far longer. It would be a source of pride for a man to claim that he learned
it from his father.
The second theme explored in the book is relationships. Ptahhotep advised on how to act
in relationships with women and acquaintances. He suggests that one should be cautious when
approaching women if one wishes to form a more lasting acquaintance in a house owned by a
friend, sibling, or master. He explains, emphasizing that the behavior was not wise. Ptahhotep
elaborated on the situation when he listed the many men who had died as a result of being
involved for a little while. "No place in which that is done prospers”13 According to Ptahhotep,
guys who lust after women have a hard time carrying out their goals.
The third theme explored in the Instruction is manners. Ptahhotep explained the proper
level of obedience to one's superior in etiquette. "Bend your back to him who is over you"14 He
stated that one would be compensated if he did so. A person who disagreed with his superior was
seen to be unhappy because one's graciousness was what kept them alive.
The fourth theme is greed. Ptahhotep forewarned against greed, describing it as an evil
connection that taints one's good behavior. "It is an evil and incurable sickness"15 He used this
theme to show how greed could cause a guy to move away from his blood family and even his
spouse. His behavior determined a man's success, and a person who followed the correct path
was sure to prosper. He did, however, emphasize that a greedy man would not have a tomb.
Ancient Egyptians put high importance on owning tombs so that their final farewell would be
dignified.
13
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
15
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
14
5
The fifth theme is humility. Ptahhotep used this theme in his book, he explained how to
act in different situations, he stressed the significance of remaining humble. "If you are now
great after being humble and rich after being poor in the city that you know, do not boast”16. He
stated that wealth is a gift from the gods and that one should not be stingy with their fortune.
Ptahhotep stated that the individual in this situation was no different than everyone other in a
similar situation. In the six theme Ptahhotep talked about how important marriage is. He
demonstrated how important it is to love one's wife. "Fill her belly and clothe her back" he says,
ensuring that she receives the finest possible care.17 He explained that a lady with a joyful heart
was beneficial to her master.
Satire of the Trades
Summary
The “Satire of the Trades," also called "The Instruction of Dua-Kheti," is a work of
didactic ancient Egyptian literature.18 It tells the story of a father who enrolls his son at a scribe
school where he would learn to read and write. The father explains to his son why scribe work is
the most acceptable job in the world. He compares the life of a scribe to that of artisans and
others to underline how excellent it is. Although the father criticizes other professions, he most
likely does not mean it as harshly as it appears. More than likely, he is making it seem like life is
really difficult for others in order to persuade his son to choose a career as a scribe. Although the
text was addressed to a son by his father, the literature work sufficiently gives clear evidence of
16
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
18
André de C. Silva, "The Status of Free Will in Ancient Egypt's Old and Middle Kingdoms
According to the Instruction of Ptahhotep," Repositório Da Universidade De Lisboa, 2010,
https://repositorio.ul.pt/handle/10451/3367
17
6
ancient Egypt's class and labor discrepancies. It's unclear whether Dua Kheti and his son Pepi are
fictionalized depictions of historical figures.
The teaching was widely read and copied in the olden days, as was required of Scribes,
and it has survived thanks to the different manuscripts discovered. Numerous translation copies
have been prepared in recent years, as they frequently wind up in Egyptian text collections. The
text elicited a wide range of responses from readers. It is claimed that the text's original intent
was sarcastic. However, many individuals believe that the book mirrored how Scribes from a
higher social class viewed other vocations, such as manual laborers. The idea that the poem was
motivated by parody sparked another debate. Some say that doing so would distort the original
aim, which was to promote learning rather than criticizing other trades. Khety briefly discussed a
number of themes which include: honor, obedience, wisdom, and humility.
Themes
The first theme explored in "Satire of the Trades" is having honor. "Honor (your) father
and mother who have placed you on the path of the living"19 Khety mentioned it near the end of
the text, addressing it directly to youngsters and emphasizing that it should be passed down to
future generations. He also briefly discussed deception as a caution against speaking dishonest
things about one's mother. Duau-Khety concluding words of advice urge Pepi to fulfill his scribal
obligations dutifully. Pepi should be obedient and do his job well while being cautious to guard
against anyone who might try to dissuade him from the career advice given to him by his father.
The second theme explored in the teaching of Khety is obedience and patience. When
Khety addressed how one should conduct themselves when dealing with officials or their master,
19
William K. Simpson, The Literature of Ancient Egypt: An Anthology of Stories, Instructions,
and Poetry (New Heaven: Yale University Press, 2003), n.p.
7
the text brought up the issue of conduct.20 He stressed the importance of patience and obedience
in one's body language and actions when dealing with superiors. Khety also advises leaders not
to treat suppliants harshly until they have exhausted their options. It was far more critical to calm
one's mind than to complete the task that had brought them there. Being kindly listened to,
according to the author, calmed the heart.
The third theme is wisdom. Khety discusses the tasks that individuals without a high
education do and emphasizes the difficulties they face.21 He compares the fate of uninformed
people to that of learned scribes. Everyone's boss is the scribe, Khety explains to Pepi. As a
result, Pepi should work hard at scribe school, succeed, and follow the ancestors' wise
counsel. Duau-Khety advises his son not to become snobbish towards those of his generation/age
and social rank.
Lessons from the texts about Egyptian Culture
Cultural values
Cultural values are the fundamental ideas and principles on which a community is
founded, protected, and relied upon for its continued existence and peaceful relationships.22 One
of the values emphasized in ancient Egypt was respecting one's parents, officials, masters, and
any other superiors. Respect for one's parents is a cultural value that has been emphasized in the
Egyptian Culture for generations and in different cultures, including religions. Up-to-date, the
Egyptian Culture stresses the essence of honoring parents, which is deemed virtuous.
20
Simpson, The Literature of Ancient Egypt, n.p.
Georges Verly, "Khety or the Satire of Trades, mud and experimental archaeology. The use of
mud as protection by metallurgists in Pharaonic Egypt," Göttinger Miszellen 252 (2017): 136,
https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=6107377.
22
Simpson, The Literature of Ancient Egypt, n.p.
21
8
Ptahhotep's instructions were proverbial sayings that insisted on the importance of
obeying a father and anyone else more superior "Do not say anything false about your
mother…."23 Khety authored various moral practices held high in ancient Egyptian Culture and
even in contemporary Egypt. The Khety teachings also stress the importance of staying silent
when necessary and conducting oneself before superiors such as masters. "… If you are a man of
worth who sits in his master's council, concentrate on excellence, your silence is better than
chatter…."24 Egyptian cultural values the importance of being respectful to everyone, especially
those holding superior positions.
Religion
Every Egyptian's daily life was intertwined with religion.25 The Ancient Egyptians had a
complex religious system with polytheistic rituals and beliefs. These religious beliefs and rituals
were a fundamental part of their Culture. The people's interactions were centered on deities
whom they believed were the core and controlled the world. Gods were all-powerful and allknowing, as is almost required in polytheism.26 Their strength was incomparably great than that
of humans. They had the capacity to live practically eternally, withstand deadly injuries, be in
several locations at once, and have visible and unseen effects on people.
Gods and goddesses in ancient Egypt were so powerful that they could punish and bless
people. "... But what God determines comes to pass …"27 People feared them because they were
so strong, and they sought to follow their orders by ensuring they did not irritate them. Ptahhope
demonstrated god's power by proclaiming that gods will punish anyone who instills terror in
Silva, “The Status of Free Will.”
Silva, “The Status of Free Will.”
25
Simpson, The Literature of Ancient Egypt, n.p.
26
Simpson, The Literature of Ancient Egypt, n.p.
27
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
23
24
9
others. "… Do not stir up fear in people, or gods will punish in equal measure"28 Even food was
seen to be a gift from gods. "The eating of bread is under / the governance of gods"29 Among the
virtues addressed by Ptahhotep in his text was how to live according to 'Maat,' a crucial aspect of
the ancient Egyptian Culture.
Maat was Re's (sun god) daughter who was married to Thoth (god of wisdom) and stood
at the forefront of Re's bark while traveling through the sky into the underworld.30 Maat
personified justice, truth, stability, right, continuity, and cosmic order. Ancient Egyptians
believed that the universe had tasked Maat with the duty to achieve this by keeping everything in
balance. Maat helped ancient Egyptians develop a profound sense of justice and morality.31 She
represented harmony and eternal cycles, making the idea of the universe being wholly destroyed
impracticable. Therefore, ancient Egyptians believed that humans were expected to operate and
pursue justice in alignment with Maat's demands; failure to do so would stir chaos. "…. Great is
Maat, and its foundation is firmly established; It has not been shaken since the time of Osiris,
and he who violates the laws must be punished…."32
Gender
Ancient Egypt had a patriarchal civilization that men governed. Women were not allowed
to hold critical administrative roles; however, there were female rulers and even female
pharaohs.33 The texts clearly show that ancient Egyptian society was naturally patriarchal. Male
dominance was apparent, with few women considered for ruling positions. Most females who
28
Gunn, The instruction of Ptah-hotep, n.p.
Wenke, The Ancient Egyptian State, n.p.
30
R. James Ferguson, "The ancient Egyptian concept of Maat: Reflections on social justice and
natural order," Bond University 15 (2016): 20, https://research.bond.edu.au/en/publications/theancient-egyptian-concept-of-maat-reflections-on-social-justic.
31
Ferguson, " The ancient Egyptian concept of Maat," 31.
32
Gunn, The instruction of Ptah-hotep, n.p.
33
Simpson, The Literature of Ancient Egypt, n.p
29
10
acquired positions did so from their associations with men, officials, and kings.34 However,
ancient Egyptian women had some special rights that women in other comparable societies did
not. For instance, they were legally equal to their male counterparts in court and owned property.
Women from lower-class households assisted their husbands in managing farms and businesses.
Among the upper-class families, women rarely worked outside their homes, as they supervised
their servants at home and their children's education.35 The textile industry had attested female
weavers. There were also instances where wealthy women had their households.
Marriages did not place women under total control of their husbands like other
comparable societies during those ancient times. "Keep her from power, restrain her, and her eye
is her storm when she gazes, thus will you make her stay in your house"36 Women had some
level of independence, making it difficult for men to control their properties. In 365 B.C, women
became protected from divorce by creating a new marriage contract.37 It is believed that this was
due to the high influence queens and queen mothers had in society. Most Pharaohs succeeded the
throne while young, making queens and queen mothers more powerful since they were the most
significant advisors. Therefore, despite having these remarkable women's rights, the "Instructions
of Ptahhotep" and "Satire of Trades" are among ancient Egyptian texts that illustrated a degree of
male dominance in ancient Egypt.
Social hierarchy
34
Nels M. Bailkey and Richard Lim, Readings in Ancient History: Thought and Experience from
Gilgamesh to St. Augustine (Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2012), n.p.
35
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
36
Wenke, The Ancient Egyptian State, n.p.
37
Simpson, The Literature of Ancient Egypt, n.p
11
The ancient Egyptian social order was divided into upper, medium, and lower classes.38
Government leaders, royals, doctors, notable clergy members, and wealthy landowners were
among the upper class's members. The middle class included artisans, merchants, and
manufacturers. Farm laborers and servants made up the lower class. Regardless of gender, the
higher a person was on the social pyramid, the greater the quality of life they had. Due to their
status in the upper class, royals in Egyptian Culture had the highest quality of life, while
household employees were the highest in the lower class. The inequality between these three
classes was depicted in Khety's Satire of Trades. As a middle-class scribe, Khety was an official
writer and record-keeper.39 In his teachings, he presented the lower professions in an unfavorable
light while extolling the scribal profession. Although the fact that it was considered a comedy,
most people believed it was an accurate depiction of how the scribes saw those from the lower
class.
Conclusion
Ptahhotep emphasized the value of obeying a parent and a superior to his son. It was the
highest virtue, he insisted. He also highlighted the significance of doing one's job with integrity
and humility. When necessary, Ptahhotep also stressed the necessity of remaining silent. In his
work, Khety also stressed the need to belong to a higher social class to have a better quality of
life. He also counseled his son on treating his parents with respect. Both pieces of literature are
influenced by ancient Egyptian civilization. Ancient Egyptians held respect, humility, fidelity,
and other highly regarded cultural characteristics. In modern Egyptian Culture, these qualities are
still stressed. They also show how far ancient Egypt had progressed in gender equality compared
to their times.
38
39
Wenke, The Ancient Egyptian State, n.p.
Bailkey and Lim, Readings in Ancient History, n.p.
12
Although it was a patriarchal society, women had some special rights compared to other
tribes. Women worked alongside their husbands, which was uncommon in most countries during
the medieval period. There was also a significant social class divide between the three levels of
the social hierarchy. A person's quality of life would improve as they progressed up the social
pyramid. The religious and cultural ideals of the ancient Egyptians were visible in the texts; they
believed in deities who ruled the universe and kings who reigned on their behalf. The texts also
revealed the early stages of Egyptian literature, which were not present in other societies at the
time.
13
Bibliography
Bailkey, Nels M., and Richard Lim. Readings in Ancient History: Thought and Experience from
Gilgamesh to St. Augustine. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2012.
Bard, Kathryn A. The Emergence of the Egyptian State. 2003. 57-82.
Ferguson, R. J. "The ancient Egyptian concept of Maat: Reflections on social justice and natural
order." Bond University 15 (2016), 3-80.
https://research.bond.edu.au/en/publications/the-ancient-egyptian-concept-of-maatreflections-on-social-justic.
Gablin, Lucia. Creation myths. 2007. 296-309.
Gunn, B. The instruction of Ptah-hotep and the instruction of Ke'gemni: The oldest books in the
world. Independently Published, 2019.
Silva, André de C. "The Status of Free Will in Ancient Egypt's Old and Middle Kingdoms
According to the Instruction of Ptahhotep." Repositório Da Universidade De Lisboa.
2010. https://repositorio.ul.pt/handle/10451/3367.
Simpson, William K. The Literature of Ancient Egypt: An Anthology of Stories, Instructions, and
Poetry, 3rd ed. New Heaven: Yale University Press, 2003.
Verly, Georges. "Khety or the Satire of Trades, mud and experimental archaeology. The use of
mud as protection by metallurgists in Pharaonic Egypt." Göttinger Miszellen 252 (2017),
135-144. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=6107377.
Wenke, Robert J. The Ancient Egyptian State: The Origins of Egyptian Culture (c. 8000-2000
BC). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009.