Thursday, 30 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Culture and Arts > How Workers in Ancient Egypt and Rome Organized Strikes
Culture and Arts

How Workers in Ancient Egypt and Rome Organized Strikes

Last updated: May 6, 2025 2:55 pm
Share
How Workers in Ancient Egypt and Rome Organized Strikes
SHARE

Labor organizing in the ancient world is a practice that dates back centuries, as seen in the earliest recorded strike in 1157 BCE in the Ancient Egyptian artisan’s village of Deir el-Medina. Professor and public historian Sarah E. Bond sheds light on this historical phenomenon in a recent episode of the Hyperallergic Podcast. Bond emphasizes that the lack of attention given to the laborers of Ancient Egypt and Rome is not solely due to the predominantly White and male field of Classics, but also to the wealthy authors who often depicted striking workers as “rioters.”

Recent studies have revealed that the economic prosperity and artistic achievements of the ancient world heavily relied on the collective efforts of millions of enslaved individuals working across the Mediterranean. In fact, during the peak of the Roman Empire, 20–25% of the population was enslaved. This reliance on forced labor was often supported by influential figures like Aristotle, who advocated for the continuation of slavery.

One of the earliest known records of a strike is the Turin Strike Papyrus from Deir el Medina, dating back to the reign of King Ramesses III. This document showcases the organized efforts of workers in ancient times to demand better working conditions and fair treatment. Bond’s book, “Strike: Labor, Unions, and Resistance in the Roman Empire,” delves into various instances of labor unrest, from women textile workers protesting in Ancient Egypt to the brutal suppression of protesters in the Constantinople hippodrome by the emperor and empress.

Bond also draws parallels between ancient labor struggles and contemporary issues, such as the devaluation of human labor by modern technocrats. She highlights how figures like Mark Zuckerberg draw inspiration from Ancient Roman stoicism, leading to a detached view of human labor and its worth. This intersection of past and present labor movements underscores the enduring relevance of organized resistance against exploitation and injustice.

See also  The Visual Pleasures of Art Therapy

To delve deeper into the fascinating history of labor organizing in the ancient world, tune in to the Hyperallergic Podcast on Apple Podcasts or any other podcast platform. For a visual accompaniment to the discussion, the complete video with images of artworks can be found on YouTube. Join the conversation on the timeless struggle for labor rights and the enduring legacy of ancient workers who paved the way for organized resistance.

TAGGED:AncientEgyptorganizedRomeStrikesworkers
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article I Tried to Go to Every Single 2025 Met Gala After-Party I Tried to Go to Every Single 2025 Met Gala After-Party
Next Article Trump EPA Reorganization Signals End to Climate Work Trump EPA Reorganization Signals End to Climate Work
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

What Every Man Should Know About Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis

Understanding Prostate Cancer: Expert Insights from Dr. Otis Brawley The American Cancer Society and other…

May 21, 2025

AI In Mobile App Development: A Comprehensive Guide

The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mobile app development is crucial in today's tech-driven…

October 1, 2024

The 3 Things to Know Before Buying Supplements

The supplement industry is experiencing remarkable growth lately. Every day, new trending ingredients—such as magnesium,…

October 7, 2025

Korean Star of ‘Extreme Job’ Was 55

South Korean actor Song Young-kyu, renowned for his role as Chief Choi in the hit…

August 4, 2025

Tourist Horrifically Injured Climbing Fence at Rome’s Colosseum

American Tourist Impaled After Climbing Fence at the Colosseum in Rome An American tourist had…

May 7, 2025

You Might Also Like

New Jersey Homeland Security raid captures 46 undocumented workers at Avenel warehouse
World News

New Jersey Homeland Security raid captures 46 undocumented workers at Avenel warehouse

October 30, 2025
A Textile Show Ruptures, Cascades, and Bleeds 
Culture and Arts

A Textile Show Ruptures, Cascades, and Bleeds 

October 30, 2025
Grow Your Practice With Maine College of Art & Design’s MFA in Studio Art
Culture and Arts

Grow Your Practice With Maine College of Art & Design’s MFA in Studio Art

October 30, 2025
LACMA Workers Move to Unionize
Culture and Arts

LACMA Workers Move to Unionize

October 30, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?