The tomb builders' strike
'We are hungry!': the first recorded strike
Around Ramesses III's 25th year, the royal tomb builders of Deir el-Medina downed tools and walked off the job: their wheat rations were late, 'eighteen days have passed this month'. The authorities heard them and work resumed next day, but more strikes followed.
Wikipedia (Russian) · Wikipedia (English) · 12th century BC
Did you know
The first recorded strike took place in Egypt around 1170 BC. Royal tomb builders downed tools over late wheat rations — 'We are hungry!' The authorities heard them out, and work resumed the next day. Share →
Meanwhile around the world (±25 years)
Middle East
- c. 1184 BC Trojan War — 14 years earlier