Secrets of Childhood in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians gave huge care to childhood. They also showed a huge love for their children; so they had many prayers to God for protecting their kids.

In addition, they were interested in having a lot of sons and daughters due to their belief in the role of humans in Egyptian society for serving parents and kings.

Children had a happy and luxurious life in ancient Egypt. Moreover, parents called their sons and daughters with names of Gods and Goddesses in ancient Egypt according to Dr. Hussein Bassir, the director of Antiquities Museum at Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

One of the names was common in ancient Egypt Meret Amun for girls which means Amun’s beloved. Other names were common such as Nefert (the beautiful). For boys, Bak Amun was a famous boy name and it means Amun’s servant.

Regarding the position of the mother in ancient Egypt and her role in children’s life, the mother played a vital role in the life of babies; she used to breastfeed them, unlike the mothers of the upper class. They depended more on nannies.

Mothers also depended on certain spells and magical tricks to protect their children from envy and disease. Various talismans were hanged around children’s necks.

Furthermore, a number of goddesses and gods were dedicated to protecting children.

There were a number of breathtaking scenes on the walls of temples depicted many boys putting their fingers in their mouths calling for food. Other scenes depicted the mother while taking care of her children and cleaning them.

Educating children was necessary in ancient Egypt. They used to visit school-like institutions called “Life Home” to be well educated and to be well trained for fights and wars.

They were also taught various humanitarian values such as respecting the elders, tolerance, loyalty, respect advice and loving towards parents.

In addition, they had various kinds of sports and mind games in ancient Egypt.

It is worthy to mention that Kings in ancient Egypt cared about imparting morals and life lessons to their sons to help them during their reign times such as Senusret I.

Contributed by Rana Atef