Food of the Ancient Egyptians !!

Unlike other ancient cultures, food was usually plentiful in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians relied on the yearly flooding of the Nile to create fertile lands that yielded crops that fed the masses. Scenes of animal husbandry and butchery, were a fixture on the walls of Egyptian tombs. Also popular are scenes of fisherman, fishing and other art that demonstrates the preparation of fish for eating along with foul being prepared for meals.

In ancient Egyptian art, the preparation of food is a much more popular subject than its consumption. However, banquets and feasts were common amongst the nobles. Goose and beef were popular dishes, but were very likely limited to those with the wealth to afford such delicacies.

For the common Egyptian family, fish was most likely the chief source of protein. After the fish were gutted, they were often preserved in salt or dried. Fisherman had to reserve some of their catch as payment to Egyptian government officials, but were allowed to keep the remainder for food and trade.

The preparation was the domain of Egyptian women in important domestic duty. A basic Egyptian dining room probably consisted of a low table and chairs. It was commonplace for Egyptians to seat themselves on the floor for meals. Evidence suggests that the Egyptians referred eating with their hands not with utensils.

Throughout Egypt, vegetables and fruits were plentiful. Celery, leeks, onions, cucumbers, beans, radishes and lentils were popular vegetables. Spices like marjoram, coriander and dill were often used by Egyptians to improve the taste of food. They enjoyed grapes, figs, pomegranates, dates and berries.

The Egyptians made wine from grapes as well as dates, figs, and pomegranates. Wheat beer was popular and sometimes flavored with fruits.

A Greek scholar named Athenaeus who journeyed to Egypt in the 3rd century wrote that Egyptian beer was very strong and an aided in the enjoyment of song and dance. The Delta region and western desert were populated with many wineries.

Ancient Egyptian life may not have offered the conveniences that many of us enjoy today; however, nourishment was rarely an issue as the lands and the Nile provided a rich variety of meats, vegetables and fruit for the citizens of Egypt.

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