Ancient Egypt Games

The formal statues and pharonic headdresses found in Egyptian ruins might indicate that the ancient Egyptian people were quite solemn, however further evidence indicates that in ancient Egypt games and other forms of entertainment were enjoyed by adults and children alike. In ancient Egypt games and other forms of entertainment were comprised of physical activities, board games and toys.

Egyptian games and fun included both indoor and outdoor activities. Ancient Egypt games and sporting events were enjoyed year around, however inside activities were just as popular, possibly as a way to escape the oppressive heat.

Children in ancient Egypt seem to have been very highly regarded. Paintings indicate that at least some of the pharaohs enjoyed close relationships with their children. Toys and games of Egypt included hand carved wooden and stone figurines. Many such items have been discovered in the tombs of wealthy Egyptian children.

While wood was a scarce commodity in ancient Egypt, it is probable that children from poorer families would have enjoyed similar toys made instead from cheaper pottery and baked clay. Animal figurines seem to have been a popular choice among children, such as crocodiles, cats and lions. Some of these toys were even cleverly crafted so as to have moving parts, which must have delighted Egyptian children.

Even thousands of years ago, dolls made well liked toys for little girls. Rag dolls and carved wooden dolls have been found, indicating they were very much a part of ancient Egyptian toys and games.

Children games from ancient Egypt were fairly universal to children around the world and involved many physical activities such as running, hopping, dancing and jumping. Egyptian games and fun for children also included many ball game versions, usually with balls formed from papyrus and using sticks from palm trees. Team games played in ancient Egypt were also quite popular, regardless of whether the event involved the use of a ball or other types of games.

Not all ancient Egypt games were intended for children. While toys were no doubt intended only for the use of the younger generations, adults enjoyed a number of popular board games for entertainment.

Ancient Egyptian Board Games

In ancient Egypt board games were extremely popular and many different kinds existed, both for two players at a time and multiple players. One of the most popular ancient Egyptian games, a version of which is still practiced in modern day Egypt today, was senet. Similar to checkers or draught, the purpose of this game was to move pieces around on a multi-colored board. Very elaborate senet sets were discovered in the tomb of King Tut, among many other treasures. Other ancient Egypt games that were popular included Dogs and Jackals and Seega. Expensive sets, made of precious materials such as ivory and ebony, have been discovered in tombs throughout Egypt. Dice carved from stone and ivory were typical components of many ancient Egypt games.