Writing History

There were many jobs in Egypt, from bakers to basket weavers; from priests to paper makers, but they were all very hard work.

Educated men would have been to school and some became Scribes. Scribes could read and write 'hieroglyphics' - a form of writing used by the Ancient Egyptians. If your dad was a scribe, his job was, not only to write about everyday events, but also to write about the Ancient gods who the Egyptians worshipped.

It is partly because of the work of scribes that modern day people have learned so much about the Ancient Egyptians. If they hadn't kept all those records we would still be baffled about how the Egyptians lived. As well as the written evidence provided by the Scribes, we know about the Egyptians through the study of mummies and objects that have been found.

Growing up in Egypt

Many boys in Egypt weren't wealthy enough to go to school, so instead they used to help out their fathers. They sometimes made pottery or furniture, or worked on the farm.

Many dads were born into farming and grew different crops such as wheat for bread, and even barley to make beer! As well as growing crops they would have kept sheep, and goats to sell and eat. Wealthier people would have owned cattle too.

The river Nile used to flood during July to November, and in this time your dad may have been sent to be a soldier, or to help build some of the great buildings in Egypt.

Pin the Beard on the Dad

Even the Pharaohs in Egypt chose to shave off their beards, but they also thought that the gods they worshipped had special beards. For special occasions and ceremonies in honour of these gods, the Ancient Egyptians would wear a false beard fixed with a cord!

Nothing on TV?

Well there was no TV back in Egyptian times, so instead of watching the football, your dad may have gone hunting with his friends. Even the Pharaoh used to enjoy hunting birds or hippos, with the bravest attempting to hunt lions.

Children, on the other hand, may have gone down to the River Nile to fish or catch water birds. You may even have played with board games.

Looking Good in Egypt

Although there were no Ancient Egyptian supermodels and rock stars to look up to for fashion tips and hair styles, the Egyptians were very particular about looking good.

Girls and boys had the same hairstyles - your parents would shave your head, leaving one long lock. This became known as the 'lock of youth,'. Maybe David Beckham will try this one out sometime?

When older Egyptian men and women started losing their hair, they would shave it all off and sometimes wear a wig! Only wealthier people could afford wigs, poor people either shaved it off or kept it cropped. They dyed their hair red as they were frightened of looking old and grey.

Most priests would shave their whole bodies; even their eyebrows would be removed! They believed it helped them to stay fresh and clean and free from lice.

What to Wear?

Children did not have to worry about clothes because they didn't wear any! Women would wear a tube dress, made from linen, draped around their body with two straps at the top. Men wore a short skirt called a kilt, just like the Scots, but this kilt was held up with a knot or buckle.

Dads favourite drink in Egypt

The most popular drink in Egypt was beer, made from the barley grown in the fields. Many Egyptians brewed beer and people drank it all day long. It was not always alcoholic, and it could come in different strengths. Only wealthy people could afford wine. Egypt is said to have had some of the best vineyards in the Ancient World.