In Ancient Egyptian times, only certain people had the knowledge of reading and writing.
These people were called the "Scribes".
These people were called the "Scribes".
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/4/3/29431229/208289663.gif?1400139441)
All Scribes were taught to read and write hieroglyphics in special Scribe school. Their teaching usually took 4-5 years. Scribes were mostly men, and were mostly sons of Scribes. It was rare for an outsider to become a scribe.
Women could be trained in the art of hieroglyphics, but could not become a scribe. Women learned the art of hieroglyphics to be able to train as doctors, so they could read and write medical documents.
Scribes could become accountants, government officials and priests. One scribe even became Pharaoh! His name was Haremhab. .
Women could be trained in the art of hieroglyphics, but could not become a scribe. Women learned the art of hieroglyphics to be able to train as doctors, so they could read and write medical documents.
Scribes could become accountants, government officials and priests. One scribe even became Pharaoh! His name was Haremhab. .
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/4/3/29431229/748650629.jpg)
Scribes wrote on papyrus 'paper' with a pen made from reed. They used ink made from crushed powder mixed with a liquid. As Papyrus took so long to make, the students learned to write on flakes of stone with their pens.
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/4/3/29431229/514040185.jpg?480)
As depicted in the diagram to the right, Scribes were very high up in Ancient Egyptian society. They were one of the Pharaoh's officials and were very well respected by the commoners.
The Scribes were the people in Egyptian society who recorded important information and events, such as the names of pharaohs and their births and deaths.
It is thanks to the Scribes that, today, we know as much about Ancient Egypt and the lifestyle as we do.
The Scribes were the people in Egyptian society who recorded important information and events, such as the names of pharaohs and their births and deaths.
It is thanks to the Scribes that, today, we know as much about Ancient Egypt and the lifestyle as we do.