Ancient Egypt Fan
Most people in ancient Egypt were employed by the state, which also often provided them with housing. Wages were paid in the form of food, clothing and other necessities. Surplus rations could be swapped for household items and luxuries. In one typical transaction a New Kingdom workman bartered two goats, one pig and two planks of sycamore wood for a decorated coffin.
The father headed the family in Ancient Egypt. Upon his death, his oldest son became the head.
But women, unlike most ancient civilisations, had almost as many rights as men. They could own and inherit property, buy and sell goods, and make a will. A wife could also obtain a divorce.
Kings commonly had several wives at the same time. In many cases, a king's chief wife was a member of the royal family, such as his sister or half sister.
Children played with dolls, tops, and stuffed leather balls. They had board games with moves determined by the throw of dice. They also had several kinds of pets, including cats, dogs, monkeys, baboons, and birds.
Only a small percentage of boys and girls went to school in ancient Egypt, and most of them came from upper-class families. These students attended schools for scribes.
Scribes made written records for government offices, temples, and other institutions. They also read and wrote letters for the large numbers of Egyptians who could not read and write.
The king's palace, government departments, and temples operated the scribal schools. All the schools prepared the students to become scribes or follow other careers. The main subjects were reading, literature, geography, mathematics, and writing. The students learned writing by copying literature, letters, and business accounts.
They used papyrus, the world's first paper like material, and wrote with brushes made of reeds whose ends were softened and shaped. The Egyptians made ink by mixing water and soot, a black powder formed in the burning of wood or other substances.
Some boys learned a trade, but the majority became farmers. Many parents placed their sons with master craftsman, who taught carpentry, pottery making, or other skills. Boys who wanted to become doctors probably went to work with a doctor after finishing their basic schooling.
Most girls were trained for the roles of wife and mother. Their mothers taught them cooking, sewing, and other skills.
Ancient Egypt had many libraries. A famous library in Alexandria had over 4000,000 papyrus scrolls, which dealt with astronomy, geography, and many other subjects. Alexandria also had an outstanding museum.
Last revised 25th Nov 2001