Family

To understand the everyday life of ancient Egyptians, archaeologists based on many sources like paintings and reliefs.

The nuclear family was the fundamental social unit of ancient Egypt. The father was responsible for the economic well-being of the family. Upper-class men often became scribes or priests, while lower-class men often were farmers, hunters, potters, or other craftsmen. The mother was dealing with the labors of the home and the education of the children.Upper-class women could become priestesses, and all women could become musicians or professional mourners.

Children stayed at home until they reached marriageable age (about twenty for males, younger for females). Although Egyptian children had toys but they occasionally play, much of their time was spent preparing for adulthood. For example, peasant children accompanied their parents into the fields; the male offspring of craftsmen often served as apprentices to their fathers. Many privileged children received formal education to become a scribe. Some promising youngsters were taught by priests in temples, and children of the nobility sometimes received private instruction from tutors or learned to be an officer in the army.

DRESS

The dress of the ancient Egyptians consisted not only of the clothes they wore but also of the elaborate costume jewelry that served to embellish everyday clothing. Colored or patterned cloth was rarely used.
Mens dress with a kilt that was a rectangular piece of linen wrapped around the body and tied at the waist, also worn was a short, wide cape covering the upper part of the body and hanging from the shoulders.

Women wore simple dresses falling from the breast to just above the ankle, and after they became more elegant.


Children participating in rigorous exercise frequently wore no clothes at all. Both boys and girls heads were usually shaved except for a long, braided sidelock.

Both men and women sometimes wore sandals made from papyrus, palm leaves, or leather fastened by leather thongs.


Both men and women wore jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings, and beaded necklaces. They incorporated into their jewelry many minerals including lapis lazuli, as well as copper, gold, and shells. Because the Egyptians were very superstitious, frequently their jewelry contained amulets.

Cosmetics were not only an important part of Egyptian dress but also a matter of personal hygiene and health. Eye paint, both green and black, is probably the most characteristic of the Egyptian cosmetics.




FOOD
The Egyptians staple food was bread. It was made from barley and emmer wheat, their most common crops. The main beverage of ancient Egypt was beer, but wine was also popular.


LEISURE ACTIVITIES

The ancient Egyptians filled their leisure time with many pleasant activities. They enjoyed good food, drink, music, singing, and dancing. The upper class watched professional dancers at formal banquets.
Other leisure activities included hunting, fowling, and fishing for sport.
The Egyptians enjoyed pets. The dog was the most common. Cats also became popular. The wealthy sometimes had monkeys.