Question

Neighboring countries were clearly shocked by the relative freedom of Egyptian _____. Women were portrayed in a very public way alongside men at every level of society. Women were also depicted with great care in Egyptian art.

a) Women
b) Citizens
c) Slaves
d) Priests

Answer 1

The relative freedom of Egyptian women shocked neighboring countries, as women in Egypt had legal rights unparalleled in many ancient societies and were often depicted alongside men in Egyptian art.

Step-by-step explanation:

The neighboring countries were clearly shocked by the relative freedom of Egyptian women. In Ancient Egypt, women enjoyed legal rights such as owning property, suing, and existing as independent legal entities. These rights were notably progressive for the time, as they weren't available to women in Europe or the United States until the late 1800s. Egyptian art often depicted women with great care, and some were portrayed in public roles or in powerful positions, like the female pharaoh Hatshepsut.

Depictions of women in Egyptian art could vary, with wealthier women portrayed more formally, and those of lower societal status showcased with a sense of individuality and life. Examples of such art include sculptures and reliefs showing the significant position women held in society. Notable is the appearance of female sphinxes during the Middle Kingdom and the reign of sole female rulers such as Nefrusobek and Hatshepsut, who defied traditional gender roles.