Ancient Egyptians found time for Egyptian recreation and sports also. Various sports activities, Hunting, Fishing, Music, and Dance were means of Egyptian Recreation for the Egypt community. Toys and games played a major part in the life of children and adults alike.

The winners of sports contests were rewarded with money and special large collars known as the Usekh which have covered the shoulders and chest. However, the winner of the competition was honored for his superiority and the loser for his sportsman spirit.

Sports and Games:

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Many of today’s sports and games were practiced by ancient Egyptians. Numerous scenes of people practicing sports are depicted on the walls of tombs and temples. A state marathon was held regularly and it accompanied the coronation festivities of a new pharaoh.

Wrestling was the most popular sport. Gymnastics, hockey, javelin throw, equestrian sports, boxing, handball, weightlifting, high jump, rowing, tug of the hoop, tug of war, stick fencing, archery and marathon were the other popular games played.Watersports fascinated the people. Apart from swimming, gymnastics, and athletics, a certain number of ball games were also practiced. Board games such as Senet or Mehen were also delighted the people.

Children played with dolls and home-made toys. There were also other games requiring skill and strength like fishing with a stick, throwing sharpened objects at a wooden base, target shooting etc.

Hunting:

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Hunting was one of the chief forms of entertainment for the Pharaohs and the nobility. They went hunting with their family. Hunting, for them, was a display of cunning and sportsmanship.

To knock out the birds, the hunter was to throw a stick like a boomerang. Traps and nets were also employed. Retrieving the catch was the servant’s job. Foxes, ostriches, hyenas, hares, antelope and other deer were hunted extensively.