Children in ancient Egypt enjoyed a wide array of rights and lived in a society that provided them with all the education and entertainment they needed.
Archaeological researcher Ahmed Amer states that children in ancient Egypt held a special position within their families as social laws were established to protect them and their rights.
Children in ancient Egypt held a special place in society.
He further explains that the regulations of these laws imposed a moral and social obligation on families, as well as on all members of society at that time, to care for children and grant them the right to education and play.
Fathers in ancient Egypt were responsible for educating their children as well as the children of others.
Amer points out that the ancient Egyptians adopted orphaned children and took care of them.
According to Amer, there were three schools, one of which was located at the Temple of Mut in Karnak, the second near the Ramesseum Temple, and the third in the workers’ city now known as “Deir al-Madina”, where workers and their families lived.
The ancient Egyptians provided craftsmen with a primary education that included basic knowledge of reading, writing, and some scientific subjects before they began working in various trades and crafts.
Moreover, Amer adds that the ancient Egyptians were very concerned about the education of their children. They also paid attention to entertaining them, which led to the creation of games for their children.
In fact, children in ancient Egypt enjoyed full rights and lived in a society that provided all the education and entertainment they needed. A child was not allowed to learn any craft until they reached adulthood.
Mothers in ancient Egypt had the right to choose names for their children. The ancient Egyptians had a variety of names, some of which were associated with their gods.
Orphaned children in ancient Egypt were referred to as “Tefen”, and caring for orphans was an integral part of ancient Egyptian belief.
