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CUSTOMS AND LIFESTYLE Egyptians thought of children as a blessing. In poor families, the mother raised the children. In rich families, slaves or servants helped to raise the children. Women were expected to obey there husbands but were equal to men in many ways. They could own land and represent themselves in court cases. Women shared the same rules and punishments as men as well. Young boys learned about trade and craft from there fathers or artisans. Those who could afford it sent there sons at seven years of age to school to learn a number of things. Young girls did not go to school but learnt at home by there mothers. Children where expected to look after there parents when they where old enough. When there parents die the sons inherit the land and the daughters inherit jewellery and the household. If there are no sons the daughters inherit everything. Young poor girls married close to twelve years of age. Husbands where always a few years older. A marriage was arranged by the parents. If marriage didn’t work out divorce was an option, but uncommon. Cooking was done over clay ovens. Common foods where beer, bread, meat, and much more.
The Pharaoh is the most powerful and important person in Egypt. He owns all the land and commands powerful armies. The vizier is a powerful man. He makes sure the kingdom runs exactly the way the pharaoh wants it to. Scribes are one of the only people in Egypt which can read and write. They record everything that happens in Egypt on papyrus. Labourers are one ahead of the peasants. They include potterers, sculptures, builders and painters. Peasants and slaves are at the bottom of the ladder. They farm and serve the richer, wealthier families.
MUMMIFICATION When an important person like the pharaoh dies he is put through mummification. First he is taken to an embalming room and washed with water from the Nile. He is cut in the left side of his body and has his internal organs removed. His organs are then placed in canopy jars. They put a hook in his brain to pull it out of his nose. After forty days the body is washed again and is covered with oil. First the head and neck are wrapped. Then the arms and legs are wrapped. The body is given amulets to protect him in the afterlife. While he is being wrapped a priest reads out loud spells to protect him in the afterlife. The arms and legs are then tied together. A papyrus scroll with spells from the book of the dead is placed between the tied hands. Finally a large cloth is wrapped around the entire body. He is then lowered into a coffin. Which is lowered into another coffin. Finally he is placed in his tomb. Furniture, jewels and other belongings are placed with him to.
