Life in Egypt under Roman Rule

by Naphtali Lewis

This classic book by leading historian Naphtali Lewis describes the economy and society of Roman Egypt from the ground level up, using the testimony of papyri. The unique climate of Egypt has preserved tens of thousands of records, covering a period of some 4,000 years from 3000 BCE to 1000 CE. Focusing on just part of this period (30 BCE to 285 CE), this book offers the perfect introduction to the possible uses of such material. The author takes a thematic approach, discussing the various areas of daily life into which papyri offer unique insights. From the production of food, to “works and days of Gods and Goblins” and “rendering unto Caesar,” Naphtali Lewis uses quotations from the sources combined with an encyclopedic knowledge of the cultural context to bring a seemingly obscure class of evidence to life.

Genres: History, Egypt, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book formed some of the most important bases of research for my upcoming novel THE WISEMAN RETURNS. While the ancient Egyptian period is well-documented (including the Greek period), Rome's usurpation of Alexandria and Egypt's breadbasket is less celebrated. Contains actual letters, court documents, and translations of household writings that proved invaluable for me as a historian. Fascinating.

[Mostafa Rabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

يالها من رحلة في فترة من فترات التاريخ المصري بلسان المصريين أنفسهم وليس بلسان كاتب يشاء أن يصورهم بصورة معينة كما يفعل أحيانا كتاب التاريخ فلقد اعتمد كاتب هذا الكتاب على أوراق البردي وهي المحررات الشخصية للسكان.

عشت معهم آلامهم وأحزانهم وأفراحهم وثوراتهم ولامست تشابها بأحفادهم الآن في تمتعهم بذكاء ايجابي في اسلوب سخريتهم من حكامهم الرومان كما الحال الآن مع السلطة في مصر وخلافه مما يبدع فيه المصريون .

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solidly interesting and detailed.

[Hashem Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has done an amazing job in extricating the daily life of Roman Egypt from papyri found there. The subjects covered included coming of romans to Egypt, the social classes, towns and villages, labour, food, administration and cultural exchange in Egypt during those 300 years. The language is simple and straight-forward including direct quotes from some of the papyri. I loved the book, its what I expected from the title. It would have been even better if photos were used throughout the context of the discussion.