تشاط و وظائف البحارة في مصر القديمة حتى نهاية الدولة الحديثة

Abstract EN

Egyptians began to use the Nile for the transportation of people and goods along the Nile from the north to the south and back.

Later on, they began to sail in the sea by ships to transport the goods from the eastern Mediterranean Sea ports to Egypt.

In the ancient times, sailors have different functions and tasks in their activity in peace and war times.

In the time of peace, Ships were sent to transport goods to Byblos on the Syrian coast to bring the timber or bring varieties of products from the Land of Punt on the eastern coast of Africa since the reign of Sahure and Pepi II until the reign of Queen Hatshepsut.

We remember also that Wenamun was sent to Syria to bring the timber for a boat of the god Amunre.

Inside the country, Ships were sent to the transfer stone blocks and columns for the temple of King Sahure and later on, sailing ships were sent to the quarries of Aswan to transport two granite obelisks for Queen Hatshepsut to be placed in the temple of Karnak.

In the so-called Harris Papyrus we have been informed about the crops' transportation in the reign of King Ramses III.

Military Ships activities were found since the reign Sahure who transferred soldiers to the Syrian coast.

In the time of King Thutmose III, soldiers were transported aboard ships and to assist in his military campaigns.

Ramses III and his army used great ships in his wars against the Sea Peoples in the Mediterranean Sea.

The southern borders were secured by many kings such as Mentuhotep II, Amenemhat I and Senusert III.

Internal military activities had been explained in the records of King Kamose's war against the Hyksos.

Ahmose son of Ebana also mentioned that he accompanied king Ahmose I when he besieged the Hyksos troops several times on land and at sea.

The Ancient Egyptians used many terms to refer to sailors' duties, especially in the records that were found in Wadi Hammamat in the Eastern desert and in Wadi Magharah in Sinai.

These terms were used by the members of the mission sent for quarrying stones mentioning that these sailors who were transporting stones, received grain, oil, silver, and other offerings.

The military title referred to the inspector of the ship, as well as the title which referred to the mere soldiers.

The same happened with the "commander" who used to command his soldiers in protecting the fortresses and garrisons or worked on board the ships.