Quarrymen in the Roman quarries of the Egyptian eastern desert (types and social life) | ||
| International Journal of Advanced Studies in World Archaeology | ||
| Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2023, Pages 1-18 PDF (999.98 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ijaswa.2024.243196.1039 | ||
| Author | ||
| Haithm Ahmed Mahdy* | ||
| Ph.D. in Greco-Roman Archeology | ||
| Abstract | ||
| The Roman Empire heavily relied on stone quarries in the Eastern Desert of Egypt to provide building materials for its massive structures both within and outside of Egypt. The quarry workers, who toiled in these quarries, had a complex hierarchical structure with various ranks and roles. These ranks and roles within the Eastern Desert quarries were essential for organizing the quarrying operations. The hierarchical structure of the workers included overseers who supervised the stone extraction process, determined extraction locations, and organized loading and transportation operations; they were at the top of the pyramid. Skilled workers specialized in cutting, shaping, and refining the stones were positioned below the overseers. At the bottom of the hierarchy were unskilled laborers who performed the most challenging and dangerous tasks such as dragging, lifting, and loading. The daily life of quarry workers was challenging due to living conditions, dietary restrictions, and social interactions. They formed a diverse group originating from different regions. Despite the challenges they faced, quarry workers formed a strong and interconnected community. This paper sheds light on the lives of quarry workers who worked in the Eastern Desert quarries during the Roman period, utilizing a combination of archaeological evidence, literary texts, and inscriptions. It also emphasizes the importance and role of these workers in constructing some of the most significant structures in the ancient world, some of which still stand to this day. Additionally, it explores the human and social aspects of these workers. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Quarrymen; Roman period; Eastern desert; desert life; Roman settlements in the Eastern desert | ||
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