Best, Mike B)
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... contemporary document recounting the first ever recorded labour strike, which occured in Deir el Medina, Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramses III when workers did not receive their rations.
The stoppage occurred in the 12th century BC, on the 21st day of the second month in the 29th year of the reign of the pharaoh Ramses III, while Ramses was fighting a series of wars and engaging in an extensive building campaign.
The strikers were hereditary craftsmen who worked on the tombs of the pharaohs, the vast complexes that to this day draw visitors from all over the world to the Valley of the Kings.
This papyrus was written by the scribe Amennakhte at Deir el Medina. It describes the workers' struggle, and the corruption which had spread throughout the administration.
full: http://libcom.org/records-of-the-strike-in-egypt-under-ramses-iii
Year 29, second month of winter, day 101 On this day the crew passed the five guard-posts2 of the tomb saying: "We are hungry, for 18 days have already elapsed in this month3;" and they sat down at the rear of the temple of Menkheperre4.
The scribe of the enclosed tomb, the two foremen, the two deputies and the two proctors5 came and shouted to them: "Come inside."
They swore great oaths (saying): "Please come back, we have matters of Pharaoh."
They spent the night in the Tomb.
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