Ancient excuses
27 Apr 2022 - 10:06
3,200-Year-Old Egyptian Tablet Shows They Took Attendance at Work and Recorded Absences
Labelled ‘Year 40’ of Ramses II, it provides a workmen’s register for 280 days of the year. …Above most dates is a word or phrase in red, indicating the reason why this individual was absent from work on that date. 1
Such as “month 4 of Winter, day 24.” On that date, a worker named Pennub missed work because his mother was ill. Other employees were absent due to their own illnesses. One Huynefer was frequently “suffering with his eye.” Seba, meanwhile, was bit by a scorpion. Several employees also had to take time off to embalm and wrap their deceased relatives. …Some reasons may seem strange to modern ears. “Brewing beer” is a common excuse. Beer was a daily fortifying drink in Egypt and was even associated with gods such as Hathor.