What Did the Ancient Egyptians Do for Fun?
Quick Answer
The ancient Egyptians enjoyed sports and board games. They are responsible for introducing many of the rules still observed in sports today, including the concept of team uniforms and neutral referees.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Board games began as a way of teaching military strategy to soldiers in ancient Egypt. They became, however, a way for Egyptians to entertain themselves. Although many of the sports in which ancient Egyptians engaged are the same that are still played in modern times, they did have some that are unique to their culture. Equilibrium was a sport in which two standing players would hold the wrists of two players that would lean back sharply. The goal was for the two standing players to keep the leaning players from falling to the ground while all players rotated, achieving balance and equilibrium. The ancient Egyptians also enjoyed a version of tug-of-war. In the Egyptian version of the game, a rope was not used. Rather, the two front players in a single file line would hold hands, and everyone behind them would pull. Entertainment and recreation in ancient Egyptian society were primarily intended to maintain a healthy body and mind. Boys' sports tended to be more physical than those of girls, which sometimes bordered upon being violent.
Learn more about Ancient EgyptRelated Questions
-
Q:
How Did the Ancient Egyptians Travel?
A: The ancient Egyptians had different modes of transportation that included chariots, boats, ferries, litters, carts and animals. They could also travel on r... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Did the Ancient Egyptians Worship Their Gods?
A: The ancient Egyptians worshiped their gods by burning incense, using animal sacrifices and by carrying an image of their god from one place to another in l... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why Did the Ancient Egyptians Mummify People?
A: The ancient Egyptians believed the soul and the body of a person were linked, even after death. If the body decayed, the soul would be lost. Mummification ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Crops Did the Ancient Egyptians Grow?
A: Ancient Egyptians grew a wide variety of grains, vegetables and fruits. The yearly flooding of the Nile River provided plenty of fertile ground for growing... Full Answer >Filed Under:
