Recreation of Ancient Egyptians
Known mainly for their mysterious and intricate pyramids, the ancient Egyptians not only worked hard but also enjoyed numerous forms of recreation. Many artifacts show depictions of the various activities enjoyed during the time, such as hunting, fishing, dancing and athletic activities. Games and sport also were an integral part of the ancient Egyptian lifestyle.
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Hunting
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Hunting was one of the main forms of recreation in ancient Egypt, particularly for the nobility and the pharaohs. To the ancient Egyptians, hunting was a family activity designed to display an individual's sportsmanship and cunning. Ancient Egyptians used hounds, or dogs, to assist in hunting and employed boomerang-like sticks, bows and arrows, traps and nets for catching prey. Animals hunted by the Egyptians included lions, hares, gazelles, antelopes, foxes, deer, hyenas and ostriches.
Sports
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Sports also were an important activity in Egyptian recreation. Archery, considered one of the oldest sports, was particularly popular in ancient Egypt. Judging for archery contestants included both accuracy and the amount of strength a person needed to pull back the bow. One sport played was similar to hockey. Players would wield clubs made from palm branches and hit leather balls stuffed with papyrus on the ground. Other popular sports included swimming, javelin throwing, stick fencing, handball and running in marathons. Many team sports played in the 21st century are similar to the team sports played in ancient Egypt.
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Music and Dance
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Another main form of recreation in ancient Egypt was entertaining and celebrating with music and dance. Many ancient Egyptians enjoyed attending banquets and religious festivals. Singers, musicians and dancers were often the entertainment at these banquets and festivals. Instruments played during this time include flutes, harps, guitars, whistles and lyres. Many ancient Egyptians associated dance and music with the joys of love.
Boating and Fishing
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Boating and fishing also were popular recreational activities in ancient Egypt. While some ancient Egyptians fished for a living, others viewed fishing as a leisurely pastime. Typically, those who fished for a living used spears and nets while those who fished for recreation used instruments similar to the fishing poles of the 21st century. Relaxing and eating in flat-bottom papyrus boats along the Nile was enjoyed by families and their pets.
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References
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