Striking at the Heart of Pharaoh: A Time of Pastries, Pain and Protests – Part II
The artisans and builders who resided at Set Ma’at (‘The Place of Truth’) were among the most valued workers in all of Egypt. Yet, there came a time when the economy of the country was on the verge of breaking down completely. Droughts, lack of tributes from Near Eastern vassal states that were decimated by the Sea Peoples; and corruption at home, resulted in driving the laborers to the very edge. The unprecedented outcome reveals a turbulent time in the lives of commoners who were forced to take matters into their own hands to ensure justice was served.
A view of the remains of massive pillars in the Hypostyle Hall in the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu. While the pharaoh dined off gold and silverware, his subjects struggled to eke out a living; and could not even afford one square meal a day.
