We’ve all seen the Pyramids, heard about the Sphinx and read about the mummies, but what do you find when you scratch beneath the surface? You’re about to find out with these 11 fun facts about Ancient Egypt you won’t have learned at school…
1. Ancient Egyptians cared deeply about looking good!
Makeup was popular with both men and women.
2. Yes, that grisly fact about mummies is true.
Mummification involved the brain being pulled out through the nose.
3. They almost discovered penicillin.
They believed the cultures that grew on gone off bread could combat infections.
4. There’s a key to understanding their ancient language.
The Rosetta Stone unlocked the mysteries of hieroglyphics. In antiquity there were numerous Rosetta Stones, not just one.
They were created to explain local laws to all parts of the Egyptian empire.
5. Pharaohs really did care about their hair.
The pharaoh would always cover his hair in public.
6. Pyramids here numbered in their hundreds.
Ancient Egypt is home to more than 130 pyramids. They were built as tombs for the pharaohs.
7. Ancient Egyptian makeup wasn’t exactly safe!
Their makeup was made from copper and lead…the most popular colours were green and black.
8. In fact, blusher and lipstick were thought to have special properties.
Ancient Egyptians believed that makeup had magical healing powers — who’d have thought!
9. There are many different hieroglyphics.
Hieroglyphics contain more than 700 different characters!
10. There were many different deities in Ancient Egypt.
Their culture believed in more than 2,000 gods and deities that each had to be worshipped. Ancient Egypt’s most famous gods were Ra, Osiris, Isis and Horus.
11. Ancient Egyptians invented all kinds of modern things!
They invented pens, paper, locks and even toothpaste!
FAQs about Ancient Egypt
How old is Ancient Egypt?
Ancient Egypt is thought to date all the way back to 3100 BC - and the period is said to end around 332 BC, when Alexander The Great invaded.
Were the Ancient Egyptians the earliest civilization?
No - it’s thought that the Sumerians, who lived in Ancient Mesopotamia, came first.
Was Egypt always known as Egypt?
No - Egypt’s original name was Kemet, or Kermit.
Do you know any fun facts about Ancient Egypt? Share them in the comments below!
