Here's What It Was Like For Criminals In Ancient Egypt

Publish date: 2024-05-06

In ancient Egypt, laws helped the pharaoh control society by promoting justice and order while reducing offenses by potential criminals. These laws were created on a regional and national level, while an imperial court made the final decision on whether or not a law was legally binding, according to World History Encyclopedia.

As early as 6000 to 3150 B.C.E., simple laws and legislations were composed in Egypt and continued until Rome occupied the land in 30 B.C.E. Laws in ancient Egypt were based on the principle of "ma'at" or "harmony," which originated from the gods, according to World History Encyclopedia. In order to lessen crime, the general people were taught to focus their attention on being harmonious in society, as well as being mindful and considerate of others. This standard of living acted as a moral guidance system for the ancient Egyptians, as well as a tactic to combat crime. 

Since ancient Egyptian laws were built on the foundation of a divine principle, World History Encyclopedia notes that one was guilty until proven innocent. Offenders often received harsh punishments. For example, Egyptians viewed a stable family as a necessity for a stable community, so infidelity was judged as a severe transgression. If a woman had an affair, her husband could forgive her and move on, or he could prosecute. If he decided to prosecute and his wife was proven guilty, she could be forced to divorce, have her nose amputated, or be burned alive. 

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