The position of scribe occupied a prominent place in the administration of ancient Egypt. This position was only available after high school graduation and apprenticeships in administration. At the end of his studies, the young scribe apprentice takes an exam and receives the calamus and pallet. He can ...
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The position of scribe occupied a prominent place in the administration of ancient Egypt. This position was only available after high school graduation and apprenticeships in administration. At the end of his studies, the young scribe apprentice takes an exam and receives the calamus and pallet. He can then enter the administration.
The scribes came from all social classes. A scribe's career development was very extensive and his personal abilities allowed him to move up the ladder: thanks to his calamus, any scribe could reach "to Pharaoh's feet".
When working, the scribe sits in a tailor's chair, holding the calamus in one hand and a pallet with two cups of red and black ink in the other; a roll of papyrus is rolled out on his lap.
In many representations, from the Amarna period onwards, the god Thoth, patron saint of science and the arts, god of intelligence, was placed in front of the scribe in order to inspire and protect him.
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