What was taught to children in the schools of Ancient Egypt?

Education in Ancient Egypt was far from accessible to everyone: only children of wealthy parents, noble and respected, could go to schools. The highly lucrative position of a scribe was held in high esteem, who was considered the commanding link.

Without exception, all children, of course, were taught to read, count and write – these were subjects that were compulsory for all students.

Children learned to write on expensive and not available papyri, they counted on limestone plates that were polished. In counting classes, children were taught practical skills that would be useful to them later in life – calculating the area of ​​a field or determining the number of slaves needed to build a temple, the basics of astronomy, medicine or the subtleties of military affairs, making technical devices (for boys).

The schools had libraries where students could find ancient texts. Children were taught to memorize passages of religious works. Physical development was a must – the children went in for gymnastics. Good manners were also taught.

It should be noted that in Ancient Egypt there were also specialized profile ones: from the very beginning, children determined what they would like to do in life, and this choice did not change.

So, there were schools for future healers: good doctors were very respected, they often served under the Pharaoh himself.

There were schools for future priests, where in the last years of their studies, children intensively memorized texts related to the canons of religion, the main rituals.

In schools, the emphasis was on the ability of students to listen to their teacher: the teacher told the material, and the children had to memorize it. Those who did not remember were punished with a whip.

After training, the children were waiting for exams.