Life in ancient Egypt

Author(s)

Bibliographic Information

Life in ancient Egypt

by Eugen Strouhal ; with photographs by Werner Forman ; foreword by Geoffrey T. Martin ; [translated by Deryck Viney]

Cambridge University Press, 1992

Other Title

Život starých Egypt̕anů

Uniform Title

Život starých Egypt̕anů

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Note

Translation of: Život starých Egypt̕anů

Bibliography: p. 269-272

Includes index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

This superbly illustrated book is a major addition to our knowledge of Ancient Egypt. Although there is a wealth of literature on the kings of Ancient Egypt, on the history of their reigns, and on their temples and pyramids they built, very little has been written about the ordinary people and their way of life. Drawing on a wealth of evidence, physical as well as literary and artistic, the author of this fascinating book provides us with a rare insight into everyday life in Ancient Egypt. The book recreates the life of the Ancient Egyptian from conception and birth to death and burial. It looks at the life of everyday farmers, fishermen, and hunters; the working methods of artisans and builders; the work of artists and scribes; the role of priests and healers; and the achievements of budding scientists, mummificators and physicians. The position of women in society is discussed in detail, as is fashion, care of the body and the risks to which women were exposed in pregnancy and childbirth. Other hazards of living in Ancient Egypt are also discussed, including the frequent outbreaks of epidemics, the high incidence of endemic disease, the high infant mortality and the growing problems of hygiene and sanitation. The text is complemented by Werner Forman's superb photographs, many taken specially for the book, depicting artefacts, works of art and scenes of life in ancient Egypt, as recorded in tomb reliefs and paintings and on papyri.

Table of Contents

  • Foreword
  • 1. The start of life
  • 2. Carefree childhood
  • 3. Education and learning
  • 4. Courtship and entertainment
  • 5. Marriage and the standing of women
  • 6. Homes and communities
  • 7. Dress, adornment and body care
  • 8. The bounty of the black earth
  • 9. Stockbreeding and the hunt
  • 10. The ancient Egyptians' diet
  • 11. Craftsmen at work
  • 12. Immortality through art
  • 13. Quarries, boats and pyramids
  • 14. Builders of the royal tombs
  • 15. The fortunes of war
  • 16. Administrators and managers
  • 17. Inside the temples
  • 18. The scribes of the houses of life
  • 19. For every malady a cure
  • 20. ...Whence no traveller returns
  • Chronology
  • Bibliography
  • Index
  • Acknowledgements.

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