Learn About Ancient Egypt Culture up & down

Ancient Egypt is one of the most fascinating civilizations in history. It lasted for over 3,000 years and produced some of the most iconic monuments, art, and culture that still inspire us today. But how much do you really know about ancient Egypt? In this blog post, we will explore some of the aspects of ancient Egyptian culture that you may not have heard of before. We will go up and down the social ladder, from the pharaohs and nobles to the peasants and slaves, and see how they lived, worked, worshipped, and entertained themselves. The Pharaohs: The Rulers of Egypt The pharaohs were the supreme rulers of ancient Egypt. They were considered to be gods on earth, and had absolute power over their subjects. They were responsible for maintaining the order and harmony of the land, as well as ensuring the favor of the gods. The pharaohs lived in luxurious palaces and temples, surrounded by servants, priests, officials, and guards. They wore elaborate costumes and jewelry, and had access to the finest food and entertainment. The pharaohs were also the patrons of art and architecture, and commissioned many of the famous monuments that we associate with ancient Egypt, such as the pyramids, the sphinx, and the temples. The Nobles: The Elite Class The nobles were the upper class of ancient Egyptian society. They were close relatives or loyal supporters of the pharaohs, and held high positions in the government, military, or priesthood. They enjoyed a privileged lifestyle, with large estates, fine clothes, and expensive possessions. They also had a lot of influence and authority over the lower classes. The nobles were expected to serve the pharaohs and the gods, and to uphold the laws and traditions of ancient Egypt. The Peasants: The Majority of the Population The peasants were the common people of ancient Egypt. They made up about 80% of the population, and worked mainly as farmers, laborers, craftsmen, or traders. They lived in simple mud-brick houses near the Nile river, where they grew crops such as wheat, barley, flax, and vegetables. They also raised animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The peasants had to pay taxes to the pharaohs and the nobles in the form of crops or labor. They also had to serve in the army or in building projects when required. The peasants had a hard life, but they also had some leisure time and festivities. They enjoyed music, dancing, games, sports, and festivals dedicated to various gods. The Slaves: The Lowest Rank The slaves were the lowest rank of ancient Egyptian society. They had no rights or freedoms, and were treated as property by their owners. They were either captured in wars or raids, bought from foreign lands or markets, or born into slavery. They worked in various fields such as agriculture, mining, construction, domestic service, or prostitution. They lived in harsh conditions, with little food or clothing. They were often beaten or abused by their masters or overseers. Some slaves could earn their freedom by buying it or by performing a heroic deed for their owners. As you can see, ancient Egyptian culture was complex and diverse. It was shaped by many factors such as geography, religion, politics, economy, and social structure. It was also influenced by other civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Nubia, Greece, and Rome. Ancient Egypt left behind a rich legacy that still fascinates us today.