Ancient Days, Egyptian Ways

The ancient Egyptian civilization began about 5,000 years ago along the Nile River in northeastern Africa. Each year the river overflowed, leaving behind fertile black soil that yielded a huge supply of food. The ancient Egyptians named their countryKemet, or "Black Land," after this soil. It was there in the fruitful river valley that they made their homes.

Family Life
In ancient Egypt, the father was the head of the household. Women, however, also had many rights. For example, they could own and inherit property, buy and sell goods, and
obtain divorces.

Only a small number of privileged boys received formal schooling. In school they studied reading, literature, geography, mathematics, and writing. Most young boys,
however, became farmers or learned a trade from their fathers or from master craftsmen.

Most young girls, in contrast, learned household skills from their mothers, though some jobs outside the home were available to women as well. Some worked as maids, some as nannies, some as priestesses, and some as court or temple entertainers. Women also could run farms and businesses if their husbands or sons were gone.

Girls from poorer families usually married at about the age of twelve, while girls from wealthier families and boys from all social classes married when they were a few years older. Marriages were usually arranged by the parents. Most men had one wife each, but pharaohs commonly had several wives.


Food and Cooking
Bread was the chief food in the ancient Egyptian diet. Sesame seeds, honey, fruit, butter, and herbs were commonly added to the dough to add flavor. Other popular foods included a variety of vegetables and fruits, milk, cheese, butter, fish, ducks, and geese. Wealthy Egyptians also enjoyed beef, antelope and gazelle meat, and fancy cakes.

Cooking was done in clay ovens as well as over open fires. Wood was used for fuel, even though it was scarce. Kitchen utensils and equipment included items such as storage jars,
bowls, pots, pans, ladles, sieves, and whisks. Most people used clay dishes, while the wealthy used dishes made of bronze, silver, and gold. All ate with their fingers.


Clothing
Ancient Egyptians normally dressed in white linen clothes that provided comfort in the hot, dry climate. Men wore skirts (called kilts) or robes, and women wore straight-fitting dresses. Most people went barefoot, while wealthy Egyptians generally wore sandals. During special events, kings and queens sometimes wore decorative clothing with feathers and sequins. All ancient Egyptians wore some kind of jewelry. Men and women alike wore rings, amulets, pierced earrings, bracelets, and anklets.

Housing and Furniture
Egyptians made their homes from bricks of dried mud because wood was scarce. The poorest Egyptians often lived in one-room huts. The typical middle-class Egyptian home was a one- or two-story house with at least three rooms. Many of the wealthiest Egyptians lived in houses with dozens
of rooms. The windows and doors of most homes were covered with mats to keep out the flies, dust, and heat. Many people slept on the roof during the summer to stay cool.

Ancient Egyptian furniture included wooden stools, chairs, beds, and chests. Leather wall hangings were often used for decoration. Candles and oil lamps provided lighting.

Entertainment
In addition to providing rich soil for farming, the Nile River provided early Egyptians with opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. Common activities included fishing, sailing, swimming, and hunting crocodiles and
hippopotamuses. Hunting in the desert for animals such as foxes, hares, and hyenas was also a popular activity, especially for noblemen. Many people enjoyed watching
wrestling matches and playing board games.

The wealthiest Egyptians sometimes hosted extravagant parties, at which singers, dancers, acrobats, and musicians performed. Communities often organized festivals in honor
of the gods, during which the whole town feasted and celebrated.

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