Meeting Needs in The Past of The Egyptian Civilization

When did the ancient Egyptian civilization exist?

The Egyptian civilization existed a very long time ago.We have one way of situation it exactly in the past.This is done by building what is called a TIME LINE.We generally calculate Civilization time-line as from the birth of Christ.It is indicated by a cross on the time-line.

CLOTHES

The early Egyptians liked to wear beautiful clothes.The most common material used was linen.In the hot Egyptian climate,wool was considered to be too warm:silk and cotton were not yet known.These linens were obtained from flax plants.They were woven by women only.There were different grades of linen cloth.The rough ones were worn by the poor people.The finest produced were even better than today’s best fabrics.They were worn by the rulers only.

The men wore simple kilts but during periods of feasts,they put on tunics.They also covered themselves with a shawl during the coolest nights.Most Egyptians cut their hair short with bronze razors or flint knives.They wore sandals of leather or of woven papyrus.The women wore long dresses consisting of linen rectangles wrapped around their bodies.

Outside the house important men and women wore wigs,made of natural human hair.They also wore jewels made of gold ,silver and precious stones.Others less fortunate used to wear simple but brightly coloured glazed jewels.Colourful broad multi-row collars with flower designs were worn around the neck.

Proper make-up was also used by both men and women.Kohl was used to outline the eyes,red ochre was mixed with fat to redden the cheeks and the lips.Various creams were applied to keep the skin soft and supple.

SHELTER

Most Early Egyptian families lived in modest mudbrick houses.These houses contained three to four rooms.They were separated from each other by a common wall.These rooms were laid out one behind the other.From the street one entered into a small room called the foyer.Behind it were found the dining room and the bedroom.Padded reed mats served as bed.Food was prepared on the root or at the back of the house in an open-air kitchen.

In the cities,the houses of the rich people consisted of many storeys.Each storey was reserved for a special use.The work areas,storage and servants quarters were on  the ground floor; the first floor consisted of large public reception areas;the second floor contained the bedrooms.They also lived in detached villas in the suburbs.Their children were only ones to be educated.At the age of five,they went to schools attached to the royal court,the temples or other government institutions.

SATISFYING OTHER NEEDS

The Ancient Egyptians lived in a well-organised society.Each member of the society had a special role to play.

Role of different social groups

1. He controlled Egypt.The Egyptians worshipped him as a god.He made all laws.Justice was delivered in his name.He did not belong to any socila group.
2. The highest group in society.The whole of Egypt was divided into provinces which were run by them.They were in charge of small armies.
3. They collected taxes for the king.They controlled all building constructions.
4. They looked after religion.They were educators also.
5. They drew the plans for all constructions.
6. They executed all the engravings in the temples,houses and pyramids.
7. They looked after trade.
8. They cultived the land.
9. They defended the land.
10. They carried out the unskilled,lobouring jobs.