Life of an 11 - 12 Year Old Egyptian Girl
Life as an eleven year old ancient Egyptian girl was filled with many responsibilities and meaningful choices. Because girls did not usually have the privilege of leaning how to read and write, they spent their time cooking, cleaning, and sewing. Most common kitchens were equipped with baking stoves, low stools, storage jars, bowls, pots, and pans. While commoners might have used clay dishes, the wealthier may have used ware made of silver, gold, or bronze.
The common food in Egypt would probably have been bread. Sometimes, flavors such as honey, sesame seeds, fruit, butter, and herbs were added to bread to enhance the flavors. Though most Egyptians drank water from the Nile or ale made from barley, the wealthy drank wine.
The raising of the children depended on rank. Though mothers commonly raised their children, the wealthy often had servants raise them for them. Wives and mothers were highly respected in the Egyptian culture.
Ancient Egyptian women were equal to men in many ways. Even though most Egyptian girls were not given the privilege of an education, some were known to have become doctors and medical assistants. Women were even allowed to own their own land.
The age in which girls married differed according to their rank. Peasant girls usually married at the age of twelve, while the wealthier married later in life. Even though most marriages were arranged by the parents of the children , some young people chose their own spouses.
The clothing worn by the Egyptians ranged from plain linen skirts to elaborately decorated tunics. They applied black charcoal eye make-up, not only as a way to beautify oneself, but also to protect them from the harsh sun. Many owned beautiful pieces of jewelry.
Though much of a child's life was spent preparing for adulthood, they also found time for fun. The ancient Egyptians had a fascinating culture that I hope we can learn more from. I hope that their culture will be recognized as a great one, now and forever.
These were my resources: Daily Life. December 11, 2000 http://www.clpgh.org/cmnh/exhibits/egypt/dailylife.html
Daily Life. December 4, 2000 http://www.iwebquest.com/egypt/ancientegyptcontents.html
Ancient Egypt. December 4, 2000 http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/life/index.html
Daily life in Ancient Egypt. December 11, 2000 http://members.aol.com/Donnclass/Egyptlife.html
Children...Education...Games...Daily Life. December 4, 2000 http://www.best.com/~swanson/egypt/egypt_2_3.html
