Differences And Similarities Of Gender In Mesopotamia And Ancient Egypt

This paper will be examining the differences and similarities of gender in Mesopotamia as well as Ancient Egypt. When looking at the sources there can be certain distinctions made for gender assumptions in each society. In Mesopotamia, men were considered to be the breadwinners, head of the household, the warriors, builders, as well as the rule makers while women were considered to be the housekeepers and baby makers. (“Epic of Gilgamesh” 10-40) In Egypt, men were often seen as the breadwinners as well as the officials of state since they were the only ones able to get an education but, women were also held in almost as high of a regard in stature while also being the caregivers/mediators of the household. (Isis and Osiris) Then the reader …show more content…
In Mesopotamian society masculinity is seen as being a more assertive person as well as having more power than the people around you while femininity is seen as being a meek and submissive person of the household. (“Epic of Gilgamesh” 10-40) In ancient Egyptian society masculinity is seen as being assertive in society while being educated like those in similar status to you. (Egyptian Hymns) Femininity in ancient Egypt was considered to be on a similar status to masculinity in that women were seen as caregivers but they were seen as assertive in how they were peace makers inside and outside of the household. (Isis and Osiris) When looking at the different views inside these cultures some assumptions can be made about how each culture viewed the world around them. Mesopotamia seemed to think of the world as a very dangerous place to live in which is why they held such a high regard for strength and aggressiveness since they would have to fight many battles. (Epic of Gilgamesh 45-60) Egypt was a very different story since they were protected on all sides which meant that a more peaceful coexistence between the genders was much more prevalent and they were much more optimistic in their views on the …show more content…
After reviewing the source materials the best way to describe Mesopotamian masculinity would be how much strength the person had as well as how assertive they were in society. The best example of this would be when Enkidu and Gilgamesh fought because after the battle was finished it was shown that Gilgamesh was superior therefore shown as masculine whereas Enkidu lost and was shown as weaker and as more feminine. (Epic of Gilgamesh 29-31) The best way to describe Mesopotamian femininity would be that it was seen as a more submissive role in society and they were considered to be of lesser value than masculine people. For example, Ishtar went down into the furthest depths to get something she was searching for but as she went through each gate she was forced to give up a part of her clothing in return for entrance. (Descent of Ishtar) This shows a more feminine perspective because she was essentially told to do something because someone above her said to do so which was what all women faced in Mesopotamia with being subservient to their husbands. The next type that should be compared would be Egyptian masculinity which was focused on being a more assertive person like in Mesopotamia but they were also focused on being more educated since that lead to power. An instance of this would be how the pharaohs are