Egyptian Daily Life

When viewing this section and taking these notes in class, please keep in mind that Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations in the history of the world. We have studies civilizations in an consequential order. Therefore, the accomplishments of the Egyptians may not seem that impressive. The earlier civilizations patterned themselves off the accomplishments of the Egyptians.

The Nile River was plentiful in terms of crops. Lentils and millet were grown as well as wheat and barley. Wheat was used to make the staple food bread while barley was used to make the staple drink, beer. Commoners consumed more beer than the upper class. The upper class would consume wine more than the beer. Water was not readily consumed because of issues of the river and sitting water with insect/parasite life incorporating within it.

Meeks, lettuce, onions and other vegetables were available for consumption. Melons, dates, and figs were the more popular fruits. The Egyptians also grew grapes, but they were expensive. All types of meats were available, like red meat, poultry, goat, donkey, and also the fishes were available. Fish along with other seafood was eaten. A popular dish by rich and poor were geese and ducks.

Taxation was common in Egypt. Because this was an agriculturally based society, tax time also coincided with harvest when all were engrossed in the harvest. Men, women, and children helped in the fields. The harvest would determine how the rest of the year would play out.

Egyptians did not have their own farms like other cultures would have. It would not be uncommon that Egyptians would live in a city-like setting and go out to their respective agricultural areas. Houses would be closely connected and in close quarters. Streets would be narrow and there was a guarantee that you would have many neighbors. Egyptians would have houses with many rooms. One or two bedrooms, a living area, and also a type of kitchen. On hot evenings a family would sleep on the roof in the cool air. The Egyptians would have a few furnishings in their houses. The homes were typically dark since there were not windows. Slits would be made for air. Windows would increase the temperature of the home, that is why they did not have many.

Cosmetics were worn by both sexes. Besides for visual enhancement like cosmetics today, some of the cosmetics had practical uses. Eye liner was used to reduce the glare of the sun. It is the same principle that professional athletes use when they wear eye black during games. The Eye liner would also help reduce infection. For the lack of a better term, Egyptian lipstick would also help the lips like today's lip balm. Very few Egyptians had long hair. Most of the time hair would be shaved off to keep cool, but also to reduce the issue of lice and other little critters that would live in hair. Wigs were mostly worn. The wealthy were able to buy wigs made of human hair. Most commoners would use either a cross section, animal hair, or just go bald.

Egyptian dress would consist of loose like materials. The primary color of the materials was white because dye was expensive, but not impossible. Simple sandals were worn, but most people went barefoot regardless of the terrain. Women would wear long skirts, and it would not be unusual that women went topless. Men would wear a type of kilt. Children until a certain age would play nude. Jewelry was worn by both sexes. Rings, necklaces, arm bands and hair pieces would be worn.