Education in Ancient Egypt: Reading and Writing

By far, the most common subjects taught in schools were reading and writing. During the Graeco-Roman period, literacy enabled one to manage business affairs, and also opened the doors to social and political advancement. The texts below give evidence of a range of writing exercises, from learning basic letters and sounds to copying major works of literature.

	"Literacy is the most important source of knowledge." P.Mich.inv. 29974

	Writing Exercises P.Mich.inv. 763

	Schoolbook P.Mich.inv. 926

	Copying a Poem P.Mich.inv. 4953

	Fragment of Homer's Iliad P.Mich.inv. 2,2755a,3160 (now joined)