Back to Unit 2Biography
Egyptian Carving

An Egyptian carving

A Day in the Life


 California Standard 6.2 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush.  

Young people in ancient Egypt spent much of their time helping their parents and preparing for adulthood. Most young boys would learn their father's trade or help their fathers in the fields. Only the sons of the very wealthy were able to go to school and learn about religion, writing, reading, and mathematics. Young girls worked at home with their mothers, learning how to do household chores. When children could find some free time, they played games, cared for pets, and played with toys.

 

Case Study
What Life Was Like in Egypt

Most children did not go to school, as you do. Instead they worked with their parents, learning how to do their future jobs. See what we know about everyday things from the records of the time. How did food, shelter, and clothing differ from those of today? Did it make much difference whether you were rich or poor?

 
 


Music

Music was an important part of Egyptian life. Many different kinds of musical instruments are pictured in hieroglyphics. How do you think ancient Egyptian music sounded?


History in Pictures

We know many things about how ancient Egyptians lived from their writing. The written texts and carvings have many pictures. What can you tell about the hairstyles of the time from pictures?


Games

Just as in our society, sports and games were an important part of life in Egypt. Board games were played by people at all levels of society. Although children 3,000 years ago needed a gameboard, you can learn the rules and play senet online.