Life in Ancient Egypt
By Sarah Reilly
How it all started...
Some of
the most valuable sources are tomb paintings, and objects that were included
in their tombs. Some artifacts have been found in towns that help in researching
the day to day life. Some documents have been found that were written by
ancient Egyptians. However, still some of the things as the household was
run is still unclear.
Family Life...
The
Egyptians highly valued family life. They thought of their family as blessings
and treasured them. In the lower class families the childen were raised
by the mothers. In the upper class families there were hired servants to
help raise the children. Although the women were expected to obey their
husbands and fathers, they were pretty equal to men. Young boys were
sent out to learn trade from their fathers. The young girls stayed at home
and worked with their mothers. When parents became elder and could not
take care of themselves their children were expected to take care of them.
When the parents dies the young boys inherit the land. The young women
inherited the household goods.
Marriage...
Girls were
usually married around the age of twelve. The boys were usually a little
older then the girls. If the family was well off then the girl was not
forced to be married until a few years later then most other girls. The
marriages were arranged by the parents of the children. Before a marriage
was followed through with an agreement was signed by both people. The agreement
said that the wife was to receive an allowance from the husband every week.
It also stated that whatever was brought into the household by either person
was theirs if they were to be separated. Divorce was an option but was
not very common. If a wife was treated badly by her husband, then she would
go to her family for help. IF he did not improve then she would carry through
with a divorce. When the divorce took place the wife was given custody
of the children and she was free to remarry.
Cooking...
All the
cooking was done in clay ovens or in open fires. Wood was very scarce,
but was used as fuel. All that is known about the cooking equipment was
found in the tombs. Most of them were made of clay, but the wealthy used
dishes made of bronze and silver. Beer was the most popular beverage and
bread was the main food. Wine was a drink that was made by the Egyptians,
but was usually only found at the houses of wealthy families.
Cosmetics...
Being clean
was a big ritual in Egypt. Most bathed daily in the river or out of a water
basin at home. The wealthy had a separate room at home to bathe in. Instead
os washing off with soap a cream was used. People rubbed themselves daily
with perfume oil. The oil was used so that the skin would not dry out during
harsh climates. At parties, servants put the perfume on the heads of the
guests. As it melted it ran down their faces, and was used a a cooling
effect. Men, women, children of all classes were makeup everyday.
Entertainment...
Egyptians
spent their spare time doing many things. Many activities are known because
they are shown on the tomb walls. Activities on the river included boating,
swimming and hunting. Wealthy Egyptians held parties were there was plenty
of food to eat and wine and beer to eat. The Egyptians loved music and
played many instruments such as, lute, harp, and lyre. Festivals that were
held were always held in honor of gods. All the Egyptians gathered together
and a statue of the god was carried throughout the streets. The towns people
joined in and sang from their rooftops, while the children ran along the
streets dancing and clapping their hands.
TO
FIND OUT MORE!!!
INDEX
WORKS CITED