Crime and Punishment in Ancient Egypt: Top Secrets

In this article we are going to give you all the information you need about crime and punishment in Ancient Egypt, and types of crimes.

Discover the complex legal systems of ancient Egypt, rooted in morality, religious virtues, and the concept of Maat. Unveil the societal influence, judicial structures, harsh punishments for crimes, and Maat’s lasting influence in shaping the legacy of this ancient civilization.

Ancient Egyptian society was built on the principles of morality and religious virtue, which influenced the dynamics related to crime and punishment in ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptian society was law-abiding, but sometimes rules and morality were violated, and justice had to take its course to achieve harmony and balance.

Their moral ethics were based on diverse social experiences and traditions throughout their history when religion in ancient Egypt was prominent in every side of their lives. Besides moral, customary and religious factors, everything was based on the concept of “Maat” which revolves around truth and justice and is mainly seen as a philosophical embodiment of the living human conscience. The entire process of punishment was one of the essential elements in the life of Egyptians in ancient times. Read the following to know more about crime and punishment in Ancient Egypt and structure of judicial system 

Structure of the Judicial System

 

Ancient Egyptian texts explain the importance of morality and combating crime with its various punishments. There were two types of prosecution for violations of moral norms: the first was the religious court of the underworld, where the deceased was tried before Osiris for his actions, and the second was the civil court, where the discipline of the community was achieved.

All judicial matters were under the control of the vizier, the king’s right-hand man. The local court or ‘kenbet’ (provincial and national court) was made up of community leaders who heard cases and decided who was guilty and who was innocent; There were also other courts that enforced the law, such as the seru (a group of elders of a rural community), and the Djadjat (imperial court) besides the kenbet, continue reading to know more about crime and punishment in ancient Egypt.

The minister was the ultimate judge, but most cases before the court were handled by lower judges. The court could even be held in the market or on the street, and there was also an administrative building called the Judgment Hall, which existed in any city. In the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, there were no lawyers or appeals, and the priests of Amun were the ones who decided the ruling as the people trusted them to give a fair hearing and issue the correct ruling.

The first form of law at a regional level was bureaucratic during the Old Kingdom in ancient Egypt (2613-2181 BC) where judges were mostly priests who consulted with their god to reach a verdict rather than weighing evidence and listening to testimony, but during the Middle Kingdom in Egypt Ancient (2040-1782 BC) Professional judges presided over the courts, and the judicial system operated according to a more rational and recognizable model. This period also saw the creation of the first professional police force that enforced the law, detained suspects, and testified in court,continue reading to know more about crime and punishment in ancient Egypt.

Types of The Crime and Punishment in Ancient Egypt

 

There were two types of crimes and punishment in ancient Egypt; The first type was committed against society, such as murder, adultery, and theft of personal property, crimes committed against the state, such as bribery, treason, and theft of public property, and any type of crime committed against religious institutions, there are many crimes and punishment in Ancient Egypt such as:

1- Murder

The ancient Egyptians appreciated and respected the sanctity of life, which made them use the death penalty so as not to violate the sanctity of life, so the punishment was divided between premeditated murder and manslaughter. An example had to be set in order to ensure that the death penalty was not violated.

The death penalty was imposed in the case of premeditated murder, and psychological punishments were even resorted to, which were considered more severe than death. For example, if a father killed his son or daughter, the killer’s body would be tied to the victim’s body for three days. Until the moment of decomposition, all under the protection of the guards, and the burning alive of a son or daughter who kills one of his parents. Grave robbers prey on crocodiles or even stab them.

There was some sort of warning for anyone threatening to kill anyone. It seems that suicide was a gift given to those sentenced to death by the people. As for manslaughter, there was no specific punishment, as the perpetrator would not enter his home until he cleansed himself of sin, offered sacrifices, asked forgiveness from the perpetrator’s family, and paid appropriate compensation.

The crime and punishment in ancient Egypt did not include anyone who covered up the murder or had information about the crime, as he had to stand before the judges, and if he was proven guilty, he would remain in his place and take his life. Whoever kills an animal that has symbolic religious importance will be executed if it was done intentionally.

2- Adultery

In ancient Egypt, adultery was considered a religious crime, and the death penalty was applied in order to prevent the spread of immorality in society. In the teachings of Ptah Hutb, he warns against infatuation with women and caution when approaching women, and for this reason a thousand men perish. As for adultery with a married woman, it is a crime worthy of death, as committing any other sin after that is easier. The crime and punishment of adultery is very hard to prevent anyone from doing this sin.

If the crime was committed by a married woman, the husband has the legal right to punish the wife, pardon her, or go to court if the husband accuses the wife without evidence. The punishment for a man was much lighter than that for a woman for the crime of adultery, as the Egyptians believed that the crime fell primarily into the hands of the woman. While the women are killed, the man cuts a thousand blows.

3- Theft of Individuals

The penalty for theft of individual property was a fine of up to two or three times the value of the stolen items, while for theft of public property the thief paid up to 180 times the value of the stolen items.

The accused will be ordered to return the stolen goods after his full confession because he has been given a hundred lashes by hand, or given an oath, or thrown into the river for the sake of crocodiles, and the entire punishment has been remitted on full public display in front of everyone. Complete your reading to know about crime and punishment in ancient Egypt.

4- Bribery

Bribery was one of the most serious crimes and punishment in ancient Egypt administrative work, and was punishable by dismissal from office and demotion of the farmer. Bribery plays a negative role in paralyzing the entire administrative process, to the point that government employees steal a file proving the guilt of one of the accused from the judicial archives. Many criminals, such as thieves and bandits of a king’s tomb during the reign of Ramesses IX, were released after paying bribes.

5- Treason

Treason is one of crimes and punishment in ancient Egypt. In the entire history of mankind, there has never been a crime more heinous than the crime of treason. Death was the only punishment imposed regardless of the social status of the accused, especially if the majority of the accused were close to the king.

When King Ramesses III chose heir to his throne, it sparked jealousy among his wife, especially a middle-class wife named T, who plotted to assassinate him and make her son, Natawar, king. The wife and all the conspirators were arrested, tried, and punished. There was also no cemetery for anyone who committed a crime against His Majesty, as the body would be thrown into the river, continue reading to know more about crime and punishment in ancient Egypt.

6- Grave robbing

The ancient Egyptians considered grave robbing a major crime and punishment in ancient Egypt, especially if the tomb was owned by a royal figure such as a king, queen, or prince. The punishment was death because it was considered a crime against the state, but sometimes the laws were reduced to cutting off hands or beatings of 100 blows if the mummy was left untouched. Special laws were created to protect them from any aggression.

The penalty for stealing a temple, whether an artifact or an animal, was 100 strokes and 100 times the usual fine. There were also 100 strikes as punishment for anyone who was slow in solving the problem as quickly as possible. The judge of the city of Maat-Ra, who received 100 blows, was removed from his position and placed as an agricultural worker.

The Concept of Maat

 

Various studies centered around the concept of Maat, as the crime and punishment in ancient Egyptians understood the value of balance, order, justice, truth, and harmony, which was the core of the philosophical concept of Maat. It was seen as the system of human society and the universe. The principles of Maat previous everyone to get along with.

They believed that man must unite with Maat and then fill his heart with Maat in order to conquer failure and dishonesty in his earthly life. According to the translated teachings of the vizier Ptah hetep of the Fifth Dynasty (2500 BC), “It is a road that extends before the ignorant, but the poor will never allow them to dock in any port. But the power of Maat (truth and justice) is that it transcends days, and one can say that it is indeed money my father money, continue reading to know more about crime and punishment in ancient Egypt.

This concept was one of the reasons responsible for the miraculous continuation of Egyptian civilization that lasted thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians were able to have a pure idea of ​​their country in every aspect of their lives based on deep philosophical thought, justice and order, as seen in the structure of their writings. They maintained a strict balance between different aspects of life and the Egyptian public.

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Understanding Crime and Punishment in Ancient Egypt

 

How were crimes classified in ancient Egypt?

Crimes were generally classified into public or private offenses. Public crimes harmed the state or Pharaoh, like treason or tomb robbing. Private crimes involved individuals, such as theft or assault.

What was the legal system like?

The legal system was hierarchical and centered around the Pharaoh, who was seen as a divine judge. Local officials and priests played roles in administering justice. There were no formal lawyers; individuals represented themselves.

Was there a police force?

Yes, there was a form of police force known as the “medjay.” They maintained order, protected property, and enforced laws throughout Egypt.

What were common punishments for crimes?

Punishments varied by offense severity. Lesser crimes might lead to fines or corporal punishment. Serious crimes could result in imprisonment, forced labor, or even execution.

How was evidence gathered in trials?

Evidence was gathered through witness testimonies, confessions, and sometimes physical evidence. An oath on the truth was often required.

Did ancient Egyptians have prisons?

Yes, but prisons were not widespread. They mainly served as holding areas before trials or for short-term detention. Long-term imprisonment was uncommon, with labor being preferred.

What role did religion play in law?

Religion was central to law. The concept of ma’at, representing truth and justice, guided the legal system. Priests often took part in legal proceedings to ensure adherence to divine order.

Were there different laws for different classes?

All people were expected to follow the same laws, but social status could affect the severity of punishment. Those of lower status might receive harsher penalties.

How did ancient Egyptians view theft?

Theft was considered a serious crime, especially against temples or the state. Penalties included restitution, fines, or physical punishment.

Were there any legal protections for women?

Women had rights to own property, initiate divorce, and represent themselves in court. However, social biases could still affect legal outcomes.