The World's First Strike: Ancient Artisans at Deir el-Medina Demand Rations
Deir El-Medina Strikes
I explore the Deir el-Medina strikes, the earliest recorded collective labor action in history, where artisans in the Valley of the Kings halted work during the reign of Ramesses III. Facing severe grain shortages and unpaid wages, these skilled workers marched to the vizier's office to demand their rations. This historical account reveals how economic instability and failed harvests led to organized protests, highlighting the workers' awareness of their value and their bold actions to secure food for their families.
The prospect of hunger and thirst have driven us to this; there is no clothing, there is no ointment, there is no fish, there are no vegetable.
- nivertech
In ancient Egypt, there were various trade unions, usually organized by profession
One of the most interesting was the thieves' union
Suppose someone stole yr carpet at night, and in the morning you'd go to the office of the head of the thieves' union, pay 25% of the carpet's value, and get it back. Much better than modern insurance!
- matttttttttttt
> In 1156 BC, the workers' pay was late and a representative, Amennakht (or Amen-nakhte), a scribe, went to the mortuary temple of Horemheb and negotiated with officials to dispense 46 sacks of corn to restore peace.[10][12] However this was only a portion of the rations the workers had been promised.
Is that a mistranslation? I don't think Egypt had corn for a few more thousand years.
- the-smug-one
The "Past Lives" podcast just had an episode on the workers of Deir El-Medina.