The land and the social life of ancient Egypt as described in the classical authors of Greece and Rome between 70 B.C and A.D. 69

Abstract

This thesis considers the references to Egypt by Greek and Roman writers between 70 B.C. and A.D. 69 in so far as they made any substantial judgment on the geography, climate, population laws, customs and religion and their accounts of the cities, towns and villages and of the social structure of Egyptian society. Passing references in authors, chiefly poets, are noted only in so far as they have a bearing on these main considerations. The important classical authors from the point of view of this thesis are Diodorus Siculus, Strabo and Dioscorides in Greek and Pomponius Mela and Pliny the Elder in Latin. The thesis is divided into three parts. Part One discusses the geography of Egypt and its chapters discuss position, extent and formation of the land (with an appendix on the Homeric statement about Pharos) surface relief, climate, deserts, oases, canals, flora and fauna and mineral resources. Part Two covers population, urban settlements, cities, towns and important villages, with special attention to the three ancient capitals - Memphis, Thebes and Alexandria. Part Three is concerned with Egyptian society and discusses the antiquity of the Egyptians, their physical characteristics, behaviour and manners and goes on to consider their religion in its mythical and more metaphysical aspects and their veneration of sacred animals. Finally the structure of Egyptian society is considered - the rulers (Pharoahs, kings, prefects) the land tenure, the division of society into classes with particular reference to priests, warriors and peasants. The last chapter, before the conclusion, deals with laws and customs including burial customs.