Adultery in ancient Egypt

Adultery was one of the most severe sins in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians viewed marriage as sacred, and the violation of one’s marital vows was a grave offense against the gods. In the past, adultery could be punished by exile or even by death in extreme cases.

This double standard was evident in such famous stories as that of the deity Horus. Who had sexual relations with his mother, Isis, while disguised as his deceased father.

In the event of a wife caught in an extramarital affair, the husband had various options. He could take legal action and divorce her, often resulting in the loss of her property and children. Alternatively, he could publicly shame her, sometimes violently, as a warning to other women. A few husbands chose to forgive the wife, although this was rare, and they often did so only if they could demonstrate that they too had been unfaithful. In contrast, men who cheated could continue to have their ego intact, often boasting about their sexual exploits.

Overall

adultery was a severe sin in ancient Egypt, with women bearing the brunt of the consequences. Men could get by with extramarital affairs, while women were punished by divorce, public shaming, or even death. As time went on, attitudes towards adultery softened, but it remained a taboo.