Family Life- Family was important in ancient Egypt, and family life began early for the ancient Egyptians. Men and women both tended to marry young, and most marriages were polygamous with the husband having several wives.
The husband usually had a senior or chief wife who was considered higher than the other ones. Although divorce existed in ancient Egypt, it was rare because of the Egyptians' commitment to the sanctity of the family unit.
Children- Children were also an important part of the family unit. They were considered to be a blessing from the gods, especially in noble and royal families. For instance, paintings of Queen Nefertiti and King Ankhenaten show a loving and close bond between the parents and their six daughters.
Working Life- Peasant life in ancient Egypt was not always enjoyable. Most peasants made their living off the land through agricultural means. Grain, particularly wheat, was a staple crop of life in ancient Egypt. As a result of few grazing lands and the expense of meat, most peasants subsisted off a diet of ground wheat foods, subsidized with meager vegetables.
Role of Women- Contrary to popular belief, women were not treated as second-class citizens in ancient Egypt. In fact, there were oftentimes treated as equals to men. They were allowed to own their own property, testify in court and even conduct business dealings just like men could. More than once did a woman rule Egypt as the pharaoh as well.
Role of Men- Men, on the other hand, worked the fields to earn their family a living and raise them crops to eat. Even though women were considered equal to men in many ways, the man was still considered to be the head of the household, and women were expected to obey their fathers and husbands.
The husband usually had a senior or chief wife who was considered higher than the other ones. Although divorce existed in ancient Egypt, it was rare because of the Egyptians' commitment to the sanctity of the family unit.
Children- Children were also an important part of the family unit. They were considered to be a blessing from the gods, especially in noble and royal families. For instance, paintings of Queen Nefertiti and King Ankhenaten show a loving and close bond between the parents and their six daughters.
Working Life- Peasant life in ancient Egypt was not always enjoyable. Most peasants made their living off the land through agricultural means. Grain, particularly wheat, was a staple crop of life in ancient Egypt. As a result of few grazing lands and the expense of meat, most peasants subsisted off a diet of ground wheat foods, subsidized with meager vegetables.
Role of Women- Contrary to popular belief, women were not treated as second-class citizens in ancient Egypt. In fact, there were oftentimes treated as equals to men. They were allowed to own their own property, testify in court and even conduct business dealings just like men could. More than once did a woman rule Egypt as the pharaoh as well.
Role of Men- Men, on the other hand, worked the fields to earn their family a living and raise them crops to eat. Even though women were considered equal to men in many ways, the man was still considered to be the head of the household, and women were expected to obey their fathers and husbands.