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Antiwork

The first documented strike in History

In ancient Egypt, much of the population depended on the state for food and basic supplies. Many worked on public projects, collecting and transporting materials or building monuments, temples, and tombs. Although slaves did much of the work, a significant number of paid builders and craftsmen were hired to make up the workforce. At that time, the equivalent of a salary was food. When the state decided to reduce the food supplies, some of the craftsmen who worked in the royal necropolis of Deir el-Medina, in the mid-12th century B.C. sustained the first strike ever documented in history. The state did not listen to their complaints, causing an exodus, as most workers left the city and formed settlements and villages, never to return. That period is acknowledged as the exact moment when Ancient Egypt started to collapse. And it never recovered. This historical fact provides us with a couple of…


In ancient Egypt, much of the population depended on the state for food and basic supplies. Many worked on public projects, collecting and transporting materials or building monuments, temples, and tombs. Although slaves did much of the work, a significant number of paid builders and craftsmen were hired to make up the workforce. At that time, the equivalent of a salary was food. When the state decided to reduce the food supplies, some of the craftsmen who worked in the royal necropolis of Deir el-Medina, in the mid-12th century B.C. sustained the first strike ever documented in history. The state did not listen to their complaints, causing an exodus, as most workers left the city and formed settlements and villages, never to return. That period is acknowledged as the exact moment when Ancient Egypt started to collapse. And it never recovered. This historical fact provides us with a couple of important lessons. First, the very existence of civilisation relies on its working class. And second, when the working conditions are unacceptable, the working class has the power to change or destroy, if necessary, the system. Remember. The wealthy, reactionary elite is a minuscule minority. Their only weapon is misinformation and fear. In reality, their position depends on you.

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