Women, Gender and Identity in Third Intermediate Period Egypt

A groundbreaking analysis reveals the multifaceted roles of women in Third Intermediate Period Egypt (1070–656 BCE), challenging traditional portrayals of them as merely subordinates. By focusing on material culture—specifically elite female burial practices centered around Thebes, Egypt’s cultural and religious hub—this study uncovers diverse social, professional, and individual identities beyond the normative wife or mother. Unlike prior research reliant on literary sources, this work employs a methodologically rigorous, archaeology-driven approach to reconstruct identity construction, offering new insights into ancient Egyptian women's agency and societal influence. The findings enrich scholarly discourse on gender in antiquity and appeal to both academics and general audiences interested in women’s history.

Li, J. (2017). Women, Gender and Identity in Third Intermediate Period Egypt. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315647531