What are 3 surprising facts about Egyptian houses?

Egyptian houses have always been fascinating, whether it was during the era of the Pharaohs or in contemporary architecture. Here are three interesting facts about Egyptian houses that are worth knowing:

Plastered and painted walls and roofs: Egyptian houses, from ancient times, were made of mud bricks and had a smooth plaster that was applied on them. Walls, as well as roofs, were covered with plaster, and then they were painted in various colors — usually, white and blue. 

Outdoor kitchen for food preparation: In an Egyptian household, cooking was done outdoors to avoid overheating the inside of the house. These kitchens had a central pit for a fire and a mud-brick stove that was used for baking. 

Rooftop and Terrace: The architectural beauty of an Egyptian house was reflected in the outside areas as well. The exterior stairs led to a rooftop terrace where the family could enjoy evenings, relax, or even sleep on hot summer nights.

Understanding these facts about Egyptian houses provides a glimpse into the past and how people went about their daily lives. It is interesting how some of these elements are still relevant and used in contemporary architecture.

Egyptian Houses: A Look Inside

Egyptian houses during ancient times were quite different from modern-day houses, but they were suited to the specific needs and lifestyles of the people who lived in them. Ancient Egyptian houses were constructed using materials such as mud bricks, sand, straw, and plaster to provide shelter from the hot sun and the harsh desert environment. Here are three fascinating facts about Egyptian houses.

Plastered and Painted: Materials Used in Egyptian House Construction

Egyptians plastered and painted the walls and roofs of their houses using local materials such as mud bricks and Nile silt. They mixed plaster materials with water and applied them to walls, columns, and ceilings. After the plaster dried, they painted it with a variety of colors derived from natural materials such as charcoal, ochre, and iron oxides. This made the interiors of the houses visually pleasing and comfortable to live in. Bullet Points: – Houses were made of mud bricks, sand, straw, and plaster – Plaster was applied to walls, columns, and ceilings – Paint was used to add color to the interior of the houses

Gathering Around the Table: Dining Areas in Egyptian Homes

Egyptian houses had a large central courtyard where all the family members gathered for meals. The dining area had a rectangular table and chairs. Table legs were shaped like lion or bull legs, and the top of the table was made of wood, ivory, or stone. People sat on chairs, stools, or mats, depending on their status. Some of the wealthy Egyptians even had a separate dining room decorated with ornate furnishings. Bullet Points: – Families gathered for meals in central courtyards – Tables had legs shaped like lion or bull legs – Wealthy Egyptians had separate dining rooms

From Rest to Storage: A Closer Look at the Bedrooms and Cellars of Egyptian Houses

Egyptian houses had small bedrooms with a wooden bed and some storage areas for household items. Rich Egyptians had more spacious and luxurious bedrooms with wardrobes and dressers. Houses also had cellars where food and drinks were stored to keep them cool and fresh. The cellar was usually located below the central courtyard, and access was provided through a stairway. Bullet Points: – Bedrooms had wooden beds and storage areas – Rich Egyptians had spacious and luxurious bedrooms – Cellars were used to store food and drinks

Mud-Brick Stoves and Outdoor Kitchens: Food Preparation in Ancient Egypt

Egyptians did their cooking in outdoor kitchens with mud-brick stoves and charcoal. These kitchens were usually located near the central courtyard. Cooking utensils were made of pottery, and food was served on plates made of stone or wood. Women were usually responsible for food preparation, and they cooked a variety of dishes such as bread, meat, and vegetables. Bullet Points: – Food was prepared in outdoor kitchens with mud-brick stoves – Cooking utensils were made of pottery – Women were responsible for food preparation

Up to the Top: Exploring the Terraces and Rooftops of Egyptian Homes

Egyptian houses had flat roofs made of packed sand and mud, reinforced with wooden beams and palm branches. The roofs were used for various activities such as sleeping, drying clothes, and relaxing during the cool evenings. The stairs on the outside of the house lead to a terrace on the roof where people can enjoy the view of the surroundings. Bullet Points: – Houses had flat roofs made of packed sand and mud – Roofs were used for various activities such as sleeping and relaxing – Stairs lead to terrace on the roof for views of the surroundings

Form Follows Function: The Design and Layout of Egyptian Houses

Egyptian houses were designed to accommodate the specific needs of the family members. The central courtyard served as the social and functional hub of the house, and all the rooms were arranged around it. There was a separation between the private and public areas of the house, with the bedrooms situated in the back of the house. The house design was practical, simple, and functional. Bullet Points: – The central courtyard served as the social and functional hub – Rooms were arranged around the courtyard – The bedrooms were located in the back of the house In conclusion, Egyptian houses were simple, functional, and practical. The design and layout were tailored to the specific needs of the family members, providing them with a comfortable living environment. The use of local materials such as mud bricks, plaster, and paint gave the houses a distinctive and visually pleasing appearance. The furniture and utensils used in the houses were made of natural materials and reflected the culture and lifestyle of the ancient Egyptians.