Family LifeThe only fertile land in Ancient Egypt was next to the river Nile. Each year the river flooded its banks and the land around it was called "The Black Land". The desert around the Nile valley was called "The Red Land". It was here that the ancient Egyptians built their homes.
Egyptian homes were made mainly from bricks of sun dried mud, these were called adobe. Wood was scarce. As Egypt is such a hot country, many people slept on the roof during the summer because it was cooler. Many houses had a shrine to their ancestors in the front room. Here they would leave food and drinks for their forefathers and ask them to use their influence in the afterlife on behalf of the family.
Food
Egyptian peasants usually ate barley bread. Occasionally they may have been able to afford fish and vegetables. The cooking was done in a clay oven above a fire. Although it was scarce, wood was used for cooking. Much of the kitchen equipment used was left in tombs such as, storage jars, pots, bowls, pans and sieves. The wealthy used dishes made of bronze, silver and gold. The commoners used dishes made out of clay.
Clothing
The Egyptians wore few clothes because of the climate and their style of clothing did not change much throughout ancient times. They were usually made out of linen. During the old and middle Kingdoms the men wore skirts called a kilt. Women wore a straight fitting dress.
Marriage
Girls from poorer families usually married at around the age of 12. Boys and girls of richer families were a few years older. The parents of the children arranged the marriages.
Entertainment
Many activities that the Egyptians took part in are showed on tomb walls. The most important source of relaxation was the river Nile. Activities included riverboat outings, fishing, swimming, boat games, hunting crocodiles.
