21
I need the hieroglyphs, numbers, maps, and diagrams
to be clearly written.
MY SCRIBES MUST USE THE
FINEST MATERIALS.
In the palace, everything is
written on the best paper, which is made from
the pith of the papyrus marsh plant. Fine reed
brushes are dipped into black or red ink. My best
black ink is made by burning wood or oil, then
mixing it with water and gum from the acacia
tree. Red ink comes from iron rust. I am
very interested in these things. Mostly
because I really enjoy seeing my own
name on hundreds of scrolls and
wall carvings. A pharaoh’s name
is always written inside a neat
rounded shape. So it stands out
really well, as it should.
I WILL EMPLOY EVEN THE
LOWER CLASSES,
basically
because we are always
desperate for scribes.
Most of my scribes are
from wealthy families.
But some peasant
farmers save money to
send their children to schools run by priests. I am surprised they can
afford it. I need to tax them more. But at least I get a few more
scribes. Really intelligent poor people can even end up working in my
palace. I reward hard work.
Fiendish Fact File
•
By the age of twelve, pupils
had to learn more than seven
hundred hieroglyphs.
•
Scribes worked very long hours,
sitting cross-legged on the floor
with their palette and inkwells in
front of them.
Oy! Check your
sandals for
donkey dung!
