What was daily life like in Ancient Egypt?

Family life played a central role in ancient Egyptian society, as the nuclear family was the core social unit.

Marriage was typically arranged between families, although individuals often had some say in their choice of spouse.

Monogamy was the norm, but elite men, particularly officials and royalty, could have multiple wives or concubines if they wished.

When couples had children, parents were responsible for instilling moral values, discipline, and religious beliefs.

Gender roles in ancient Egypt were relatively well-defined; yet, they were more flexible than in many other ancient societies.

Men were primarily responsible for working outside the home and engaged in agriculture, crafts, or trade.

They also held most positions of authority. This could include roles as government officials and military officers in the army.

In comparison, women in ancient Egypt enjoyed a relatively high degree of independence and legal rights.

For example, they could own property, conduct business, and act as witnesses in legal matters.

While their primary role was centered around the household, women could also work as merchants, weavers, or even hold positions in temples as priestesses.

Some women, particularly those from the elite class, received formal education and could become scribes or physicians.

Formal education was primarily accessible to the children of the wealthy elite. It is thought that less than 5 percent of the population were literate.  

The elite children, particularly boys, attended scribal schools where they were trained in reading, writing, and mathematics. 

All of these were essential skills required for administrative positions in the pharaoh's government. 

The primary writing system in ancient Egypt was hieroglyphics: a writing system that combined logographic, syllabic, and alphabetic elements.

Being a scribe was considered a prestigious profession. Their expertise in reading and writing allowed them to document religious texts, official records, and literary works for important people.

As a result of their training, they often enjoyed a high social status and could advance their careers within the administration or priesthood.

For the majority of children who did not attend formal schools due to their social standing, learning took place within the family or through apprenticeships.

Boys typically learned their father's trade, such as farming, pottery, or carpentry, by observing and assisting in daily tasks.

These skills were passed down from generation to generation.

Girls, on the other hand, were usually taught household skills by their mothers.

They learned cooking, weaving, and other domestic tasks necessary for managing a household and raising a family.

In some cases, girls from wealthier families might receive a basic education in reading and writing, but this was relatively rare.

Agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, which provided a variety of crops that formed the basis of the Egyptian diet.

The primary staple food in ancient Egypt was bread. This was made from emmer wheat or barley.

At every meal time, bread was consumed and could come in various shapes and sizes.

Sometimes it was even sweetened with honey or dates.

Another essential staple was beer, which was brewed from barley and consumed by people of all ages and social classes.

Unlike today, it was considered both a source of nourishment and a refreshing beverage. It contained a lower alcohol content than modern varieties.

In addition, since the Nile River's fertile floodplains allowed for the cultivation of numerous vegetables and fruits, Egyptians commonly consumed onions, garlic, leeks, cucumbers, and lettuce.

Fruits such as dates, figs, grapes, and pomegranates were also widely enjoyed.

If desired, they could be consumed fresh, dried, or used in cooking to add flavor and sweetness.

Protein in the ancient Egyptian diet primarily came from fish and poultry.

Since the Nile was abundant with fish, it was readily available. Meanwhile, poultry, such as ducks and geese, were raised domestically.

On rare occasions, they would also eat meat from cattle, sheep, and goats. But this was more commonly consumed during religious festivals or by the elite, as it was relatively expensive.

If people didn't have the money to afford meat, they relied upon legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans.

Regardless of social class, they were also an essential part of the diet.

While dairy products, like milk, cheese, and butter, were consumed by both adults and children, they were not as prominent in the diet as other food sources.

Ancient Egyptian cuisine was generally simple, with dishes seasoned using herbs, oils, and spices such as coriander and cumin.

Food was typically cooked over open fires or in clay ovens and could be baked, boiled, or grilled.

Clothing and fashion in ancient Egypt were influenced by the region's hot and dry climate.

As a result, the primary material used for clothing was linen, made from flax fibers.

It was ideal because it was lightweight and breathable, making it extremely comfortable in the warm Egyptian climate.

For the lower classes, clothing was generally simple and functional. Men typically wore loincloths or short kilts, while women wore simple sheath dresses called kalasiris.

This was usually held up by straps over the shoulders.

These poorer garments were usually made from undyed linen, which was naturally a pale cream or beige color.

The clothes of the very poor classes were often defined by their coarse feel, since they were less finely woven than those of the wealthier classes.

Upper-class Egyptians, on the other hand, including royalty, officials, and priests, wore more elaborate and finely crafted garments.

Men's kilts could be pleated, fringed, or adorned with decorative elements. Women's dresses might be more fitted, with intricate pleating, beading, or embroidery.

These garments were often made from finer, more delicate linen and could be dyed in various colors.

Although it appears that white remained the most common choice of color.

Accessories also played a significant role in ancient Egyptian fashion. Both men and women wore decorative collars called wesekhs, made from beads or precious metals, and frequently adorned with semi-precious stones.

Jewelry, such as bracelets, anklets, and rings, were crafted from like gold, silver, and gemstones to show off their wealth and status.

As far as archaeologists can determine, footwear was not commonly worn by the lower classes. 

They seem to have usually gone barefoot.

However, the upper classes and those in more formal or ceremonial roles might wear sandals made from leather, papyrus, or palm fibers.

There were some interesting hairstyles used by the Egyptians. Men and women, especially from the upper classes, often shaved their heads and wore wigs made from human hair, sheep's wool, or plant fibers.

These could be styled in braids, curls, and elaborate updos, depending on personal choice.

But what did the Egyptians do to have fun and relax? Well, music and dance were integral to ancient Egyptian life.

They were often invoked in the many religious rituals, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year.

Tomb art shows musicians playing a variety of instruments, such as harps, lyres, flutes, percussion instruments, and sistra (a type of rattle).

Accompanying these were singers and chanters. Dancers joined in too and performed in groups or as soloists.

According to the surviving artistic representations, the movements of the performers were very expressive, even acrobatic.

Both men and women participated in music and dance, although there were gender-specific roles and performances.

Entertainment in ancient Egypt also included sports. We know that Egyptians participated in swimming in the Nile, or rowing in boats, and even hunting and fishing.

What might surprise you is the various forms of boardgames they played. We know of two: Senet and Mehen, which were played by both adults and children.