Egypt

Play has been an important aspect of Egyptian society from ancient times until the present. Recreational activities in ancient Egypt were an important part of children's lives, and when adults took part in recreation, [Page 191]their activities often combined both relaxation and productivity, such as fishing. In the Middle Ages, recreational activities were geared for the enjoyment of both adults and children alike, such as storytelling. Egyptian children and adults today usually engage in recreational activities along class and gender lines.

Ancient Egyptian musical instruments ranged from the very simple, such as percussion instruments, to the very complex, such as harps. Singers were an integral part of Egyptian music, accompanied by drums, reed-pipes, or one-stringed fiddles.

Children in ancient Egypt had carefree periods in their lives dedicated to play until they reached their teens, when they were expected to marry and bear children of their own. The types of games children played when they had carefree time after work varied from physical activities such as wrestling, throwing stones at targets, playing Tug-of-War, swimming in the Nile, Leapfrog, racing, and dancing, to imaginary activities such as using small doll-like figures of animals and boats made out of clay, wood, or stone. Balls were made of leather skin filled with dry papyrus reeds. Children in ancient Egypt were also encouraged to spend their free time doing arts-and-crafts projects, such as making charms honoring their favorite gods, playing with pet dogs and birds, or playing with spinning tops.

Ancient Egyptian adults enjoyed leisure activities as well. Noblemen and pharaohs held parties in which they were entertained by musicians, dancers, and singers. Wealthy families often had their own garden next to their house in which they could relax and be kept cool by fanbearers waving palm-frond fans. For common people, their pastime was often activities that were both relaxing and yet productive, such as fishing in the Nile, or hunting. Some adults played a game in the river in which men in light reed boats tried to tip the opponent's boat with poles. People of all ages and classes in ancient Egypt played boardgames such as Máncala, Mehen, Game of 20 Squares, Hounds and Jackals, Senet, and the Royal Game of Ur.