Families During Life in Ancient Egypt Families were an integral part of life in ancient Egypt, and they held great importance in their society. Family members would work together to support each other, not only within their households but also within the community. The traditional family structure in ancient Egypt was patriarchal, meaning that the father was the head of the household. He took care of his wife, children, and any other dependents in his household. Women were also respected and had important roles in their families, despite not having the same rights as men. They were responsible for managing the home, taking care of their children, and supporting their husbands in their domestic and agricultural activities. Marriage and family were a central aspect of ancient Egyptian culture. Marriage was considered an essential event in an individual’s life, and the primary purpose was to bear children to continue the family lineage. Couples would typically get married when they were young, around ages 12 to 14, and would live with the husband’s family. They would often have large families, with an average of five to six children. Families lived in simple mud-brick homes that were designed to protect them from the extreme heat of the desert and provided some privacy. Larger and more affluent families would have had separate rooms for different purposes such as sleeping, cooking, and storage. Education was also an important aspect of family life in ancient Egypt. Parents were responsible for their children’s education and taught them the skills necessary for their future professions. Girls were primarily educated at home by their mothers, while boys were sent to schools known as ‘House of Life.’ These schools would provide education in reading, writing, mathematics, and hieroglyphics. Overall, families were at the center of life in ancient Egypt. They worked together to support each other, and their bond was crucial for the well-being of the community.