Part III

Living Life to the Full: Culture and Beliefs

In this part . . .

The ancient Egyptians enjoyed parties, feasts, and generally living it up with their mates. Loads of evidence of these parties exist, including menus and lists of the dancers and musicians who attended. For daytime entertainment the Egyptians played board games, listened to stories, went hunting, and participated in sports.

Although relatively hygienic, the Egyptians were beset with disease and illnesses, and the doctors recorded many of the symptoms, diagnoses, and ‘cures’ – most of which makes our own health service look the biz. From parasitic worms, to teeth abscesses, it’s surprising they could concentrate on building pyramids and temples at all!

Ancient Egyptian religion was very imaginative and diverse, with hundreds of gods, different practices, beliefs, and rituals – many dependant on the location. Although the everyday Egyptians weren’t allowed to enter the elaborate temples which still dominate the landscape, they worshipped in their homes.

Many of the Egyptians’ funerary beliefs were focused on prolonging life for eternity in the underworld, and they preserved bodies and possessions, enabling us to build a compelling image of their life and beliefs.