The ancient Egyptians found time for leisure and sports as well. Various sports, hunting, fishing, music and dance are ways of leisure community Egyptians. Toys and games have played a major role in the lives of children and adults. The winners of sports competitions were rewarded with money and big collars known as special usekh half of which carried on the shoulders and chest. However, the winner of the competition was honored for his superiority, and the loser to the human spirit of sport.
Ancient Egyptian Recreation
Sports and Games: Many of today's sports and games were practiced by the ancient Egyptians. Many scenes of people practicing sports are represented on the walls of tombs and temples. A state marathon took place regularly and he accompanied the celebrations of the coronation of a new pharaoh. The fight was the most popular sport. Gymnastics, hockey, javelin, equestrian, boxing, handball, weightlifting, jump, rowing, shooting the hoop, tug of war, stick fencing, archery and marathon are the other popular games played. Watersports fascinated people. Besides swimming, gymnastics and athletics, number of ball games were also performed. Games such as Senet and Mehen also delighted people. Children played with dolls and homemade toys. There were also other games requiring skill and strength like fishing with a stick, throwing sharp objects to a wooden base, target shooting etc. Hunting: Hunting was one of the main forms of entertainment for the pharaohs and nobles. They went hunting with their families. Hunting for them was a display of cunning and sportsmanship. To stun the birds, the hunter was throwing a stick like a boomerang. Traps and nets were also used. Recovery of the catch was the work of the agent. Foxes, ostriches, hyenas, hares, antelopes and deer were hunted intensively others. Boating and Fishing Sports activities such as fishing and boating were popular. Several photos show fishing in a recreational context. This evidence suggests that the Egyptians were the first to fish for fun. Although fishing was a way of life for some, it was a hobby too. Many different artifacts such as fishing rods and various types of hooks were found to show the versatility of their equipment. Fishing survival was traditionally performed with a net or a spear, while the fisherman used a rod and line. People of some wealth also went fishing, but often only in the pond in their house, while enjoying a few glasses of beer or wine. Boating is another leisure activity Egyptians. Children and adults trips flat-bottomed boats along the Nile papyrus or marshes. The whole household, including pets and would output it was customary to take a picnic.