What was daily life like in ancient Egypt?

1. Society and Social Classes

• Most Egyptians were farmers or laborers, living in small mud-brick homes along the Nile.

• The social pyramid included:
  • Pharaoh (king/ruler)

  • Nobility and Officials

  • Priests

  • Artisans and Merchants

  • Scribes

  • Peasants and Laborers

• Slavery existed, but most large projects (like pyramid building) were done by paid laborers or artisans.

2. Work and Livelihood

• Agriculture: Most people farmed wheat, barley, vegetables, or tended animals. The Nile’s yearly flood was crucial—depositing rich soil for crops.

• Crafts and Trades: Artisans made pottery, jewelry, clothing, and tools. Scribes kept records and carried administrative tasks.

• Women: Managed households, prepared food, wove cloth, and participated in farming and small crafts.

3. Family and Home Life

• Houses were made from sun-baked mud bricks. Families slept on reed mats, ate bread, beer, vegetables, sometimes fish or meat.

• Extended families lived close together; children played with simple toys and learned trades from their parents.

4. Religion and Ritual

• Daily rituals honored household gods and ancestors, with shrines in homes.

• Major festivals involved processions, music, feasting, and temple ceremonies—most tied to the agricultural calendar.

5. Clothing and Appearance

• Men wore simple linen kilts; women wore sheath dresses. Jewelry (amethyst, carnelian, turquoise, gold) was popular across classes.

• Cosmetics, like kohl eyeliner, were used by men and women. Wigs and perfumes were common in higher classes.

6. Education and Scribes

• Most Egyptians were not literate, but scribes (a prestigious class) learned writing, math, and administration.

• Boys of wealthy families trained as scribes; girls were rarely formally educated but had key roles in home and business.

7. Leisure and Entertainment

• Board games (like Senet), music (lyres, flutes), dancing, and storytelling filled free time.

• Children played with balls, dolls, and animal figurines.

8. Food and Drink

• Bread and beer were staples; onions, garlic, dates, figs, and fish rounded out the diet. Meat (beef, fowl) was rarer for commoners.

Summary:
Ancient Egyptian daily life revolved around the Nile, farming, and family, shaped by a clear social hierarchy and a vibrant culture of rituals, arts, and festivals. While the elite lived in luxury, most Egyptians led simple, but well-organized lives—close to their land, faith, and community. Frescoes, tombs, and temples vividly portray these scenes, bringing history to life for visitors today. If you’d like examples from specific sites or want to know more about women, children, or any specialty, let me know!