Hairdresser: After your customer has been bathed, depilated and doused in sweet heavy perfumes, Queens and commoners alike, will sit patiently before their hairdressers, although it is equally clear that wigmakers enjoyed a brisk trade.

The wealthy also employed manicurists and even female make-up artists, whose title translates literally as 'painter of her mouth'. Yet the most familiar form of cosmetic, also worn by men, was the black eye paint which reduced the glare of the sun, repelled flies and looked rather good.

Vizier: (prime minister) - This was the highest administrative title below that of pharaoh, which women managed on no fewer than six occasions.

Ship Pilot: One woman steering a cargo ship even reprimands the man who brings her a meal with the words, 'Don't obstruct my face while I am putting to shore' (the ancient version of that familiar conversation 'get out of my way whilst I'm doing something important').