Question

Более трёх тысяч лет назад в Египте и Двуречье ученики писцовых школ тратили на овладение письмом и чтением долгие-долгие годы. Напротив, в древних городах Тире, Библе и Сидоне школьники, едва только начав учиться (проходило каких-нибудь несколько недель), могли записать и прочитать несложный текст.Чем объяснить различие в сроках обучения грамоте в разных странах древности?

Answer 1

Мне кажется, что это связанно с разным алфавитом, тобиш в других странах алфавит состоял из более мальнького количества символов, чем в Египте и Двуречье.

Answer 2

Difference in Literacy Education in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia

The difference in the duration of literacy education in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia can be attributed to various factors, including cultural, economic, and social contexts. While students in the scribal schools of Egypt and Mesopotamia both learned reading and writing, the length of time required to acquire these skills differed significantly.

In ancient Egypt, the education system focused heavily on the development of scribes who would serve in administrative and bureaucratic roles. The training of scribes was a rigorous and time-consuming process that spanned several years. According to historical records, students in Egyptian scribal schools spent many years mastering the complex hieroglyphic writing system and learning various aspects of administration, mathematics, and religious texts.

On the other hand, in ancient Mesopotamia, which encompassed the region of modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Iran, the education system was more diverse. While there were scribal schools similar to those in Egypt, education in Mesopotamia was not solely focused on producing scribes. The Mesopotamian education system also included other types of schools, such as temple schools and schools for craftsmen. These schools provided more specialized training and education in areas like religious rituals, craftsmanship, and trade skills.

The shorter duration of literacy education in ancient cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Biblos, as mentioned in your question, can be attributed to the different educational systems and priorities in these regions. In these Phoenician cities, education was not solely focused on producing scribes or administrators. Instead, the emphasis was on practical skills and early integration into economic activities. As a result, students in these cities could learn to read and write relatively quickly, often within a few weeks, before moving on to other practical skills.

It is important to note that the information provided is based on historical records and research. The exact duration of literacy education in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Phoenician cities may have varied depending on specific circumstances and individual cases.

In conclusion, the difference in the duration of literacy education in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Phoenician cities can be attributed to various factors, including the cultural, economic, and social contexts of these regions. The focus on producing scribes in Egypt led to a more extensive and time-consuming education system, while the diverse educational priorities in Mesopotamia and Phoenician cities allowed for shorter periods of literacy education.