In groups, the men and women are always separated. How closely these images corresponded to the realities of social life cannot be known. There can be little if any doubt, however, tliat ancient Egypt was male-dominated; only men were literate and qualified for the bureaucracy. Yet religious beliefs about the interdependence of the male and female principles were to some extent reflected in everyday lilc Women of all classes could inherit and own private property, for instance. In this respect, at least, they enjoycd greater autonomy in ancient Egypt than in any other early civilization,