Motherhood and Childhood in Ancient Egypt: Pregnancy, Birth, Care

What Was Childhood Like in Ancient Egypt?

In ancient Egypt, motherhood and childhood were accorded a great status and great attention. The ancient Egyptians paid special attention to children and were keen to take care of them from the moment of conception until adulthood.

The ancient Egyptians understood from the dawn of history that building a great civilization can only be done by taking care of the human being, especially the child, who is the foundation of the future and the pillar of development and continuity. From this point of view, one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known arose on the land of Egypt, and this would not have been possible without the comprehensive care of all who live on this land, especially children.

Mothers in ancient Egypt had a great responsibility in raising their children, starting from the period of pregnancy, where motherhood was surrounded by great respect and appreciation, and the mother was provided with the necessary health care, until she gave birth to her child. After birth, care and nurturing continued in an atmosphere full of love and affection, with great attention to the child's physical and mental development.

Archaeological studies and ancient inscriptions have shown that children in ancient Egypt were not left to chance, but were provided with ample health, educational and cultural care. They were raised in an integrated environment that prepared them to be good citizens, contributing to building society and preserving the greatness of Egyptian civilization.

Interestingly, the role of children was not only limited to learning and upbringing, but also to active participation in religious rituals, festivals, and celebrations inside temples, as children appeared in many paintings and statues left by the ancient Egyptians. These monuments reflected the extent of the appreciation and attention that the Egyptian civilization paid to childhood, as the first building block in building a strong and educated Egyptian human being.

For the ancient Egyptians, childhood began from a very early time, extending from before birth, i.e. from the time the child is in the mother's womb until the moment of birth. Surprisingly, the ancient Egyptians not only made this stage a mundane matter of human life, but their conceptualization of childhood and birth was reflected in the world of the gods as well.

In ancient Egypt, the gods were believed to go through stages similar to those of humans, including birth and development. Just as humans are born into this world, the gods were also born into their heavenly realm. Therefore, when the ancient Egyptians imagined the shape of the sky, they depicted it as the goddess Nut, a great lady whose body stretched from the eastern to the western horizon, representing the entire dome of the sky.

They envisioned her as a woman who carries the newborn sun god inside her womb every morning, only to be reborn every day at sunrise. In this majestic visualization, Ra (the sun god) is born from the womb of the goddess Nut every day at dawn, as she lies in the sky, carrying the spirit of life in him. This sacred scene shows how the ancient Egyptian conceptualization of birth and childhood was linked to the divine realm.

Motherhood and Childhood in Ancient Egypt

How Did Ancient Egyptians View Pregnancy and Birth?

From this mythological conceptualization, we can understand how this was reflected in their understanding of human birth. The process of conception and birth was associated with one of the greatest gods of ancient Egypt, the god Amun.

Amun was considered the king of the gods in Egyptian belief, and a life-giving god. They believed that he was the one who gave the breath of life to the living and gave it to the fetus in the mother's womb. This is why he was known as the god of air, the god of breath, and the giver of life to every living thing.

Hence the significance of his name “Amun,” which means “invisible” or “unseen,” just like the air, which is invisible to the eye, but omnipresent and life-giving without being seen. This amazing conceptualization illustrates how the ancient Egyptians linked natural and spiritual phenomena, human reality and the divine dimension, in their explanation of the beginning of life.

When a married woman begins to notice the first signs of pregnancy, the most prominent of which is the absence of menstrual periods after marriage, she naturally seeks to confirm the presence of pregnancy. The ancient Egyptians developed their own means of verifying this. A skilled midwife, a woman with experience in medical and gynecological matters, would examine the woman to confirm her pregnancy.

But it wasn't just about the medical aspect, it was also closely linked to the religious and spiritual beliefs that prevailed at the time. They believed that the god Amun was the one who placed the “secret of the fetus” inside a woman's womb. When this god chooses a particular woman, he places this sacred secret in her womb, and the journey of conception begins.

At this moment, the spirit of the god Amun is said to be manifested in her husband's body, and through him to his wife, who receives this divine secret and carries it in her womb. According to ancient Egyptian belief, this conception is divided into two phases:

Celestial stage: This is the stage in which the god in heaven decides to grant this divine secret to that woman.

Earthly stage: This is when the pregnancy is actually realized on earth through the relationship between husband and wife.

Thus, conception in the ancient Egyptian concept was not just a biological event, but a combination of divine decision and human union. These perceptions are reflected in the many inscriptions and drawings left by the ancient Egyptians, which reflect this firm belief that conception is a divine gift, a heavenly mystery, realized through earthly means.

This perception was not limited to the priestly class or the religious elite, but extended to the common people as well, as many archaeological evidence and popular inscriptions indicate that the general Egyptian population believed in this idea at that time.

At this point, Khnum - the god responsible for shaping humans - steps in to play his unique and sacred role. The ancient Egyptians believed that Khnum formed a human being with his hands on the pottery wheel, making the newborn child out of clay, just like the pottery on the wheel, and forming its own soul with it from the same clay, in a symbolic process that reflects the complete divine creation.

After the baby is formed, it is handed over to the god Amun, who plays the most important role in the process of bringing the fetus to life inside the mother's womb. This happens after the third month of pregnancy, when Amun is believed to breathe the breath of life into the fetus, making it truly alive.

For this reason, the ancient Egyptians described the god Amun in such grandiose terms as:

“the one who gives breath,” ‘the one in whose name fetuses come alive,’ and ‘the one who makes a pregnant woman give birth when his name is spoken.’ They believed that the mere mention of Amun's name could hasten birth, or give life at critical moments.

They believed that the mere mention of Amun's name could hasten childbirth, or give life at critical moments.

At the time a woman was conceived by Amun's command, this sacred event had to be proclaimed. This is where the god Thoth, the god of knowledge and wisdom, and the messenger of the gods, comes in.

Thoth descended from heaven to inform the woman of this great divine event: She has become pregnant by the command of the god Amun.

Therefore, when the woman heard this heavenly news, she was filled with joy and happiness, and experienced a special spiritual moment, because she knew that her fetus came by a blessed divine order. Because of the sacredness of this moment, the first word a woman utters when she learns she is pregnant is considered the name of the baby to be born.

The first word that came out of her mouth at the moment of learning of her pregnancy was not just an expression of joy but was recorded as the chosen name of the child, as if it were a direct reflection of a divine revelation.

Ibis ( Thoth ) and Kneeling Worshipper on Base

How Did Ancient Egyptians Predict the Baby’s Gender?

Ancient Egyptians performed many traditional experiments that they believed would help them determine the sex of the fetus, whether it was male or female. Although these methods have no proven scientific basis, they are frequently mentioned in ancient Egyptian medical documents and texts, indicating that they were widespread and commonly used in that era.

In one such experiment, when a pregnant woman reaches the fourth month of her pregnancy, she brings in wheat and barley seeds and plants them in the soil. The pregnant woman's urine is then mixed with water and watered with both wheat and barley seeds.

If the wheat sprouts first, it is an indication that the fetus is male, while if the barley sprouts first, the fetus is thought to be female.

Although modern science has not proven the accuracy of this experiment, the ancient Egyptians practiced it for centuries, and may have found it successful in some cases, due to the change in the composition of urine and the effect of hormones during pregnancy.

What Were Ancient Egyptian Pregnancy and Childbirth Practices?

Pregnancy in ancient Egypt was considered a very critical period for women, as it could carry health risks that could threaten the mother's life, especially in the absence of modern medicine at the time. Therefore, the pregnant woman was surrounded by intensive care, both physically and spiritually.

She was immunized throughout her pregnancy with magical spells and prayers aimed at protecting her and her fetus and keeping them safe until the moment of birth.

When a woman was about to give birth, a special tent was prepared for her inside the house, known in ancient Egyptian texts as “st msḥt”, which means: “the place of the birthing chair” or ‘the place of childbirth’.

Another name for this tent is “m3ꜥ ms,” both of which refer to the space or place reserved for the woman during childbirth.

This tent varied according to social class.

For the nobility and high-ranking state officials, it was built of mud bricks, supported by palm-tree poles, and covered with a roof of braided mats.

Inside the tent was a special bed for the pregnant woman, and the ceiling was decorated with magical spells and amulets that were specially hung to protect the mother and fetus from evil spirits and any danger that might threaten their safety during childbirth.

For the common people, the “tent” was set up either inside the house's barn or in the open courtyard of the house. This tent was reserved for the pregnant woman, who would stay in it for the eighth and ninth month of pregnancy, and for about forty days after giving birth.

This tent was a secluded place within the house where birth rituals were performed. The ancient Egyptians considered the birth rituals inside this tent to symbolize the birth of the gods and goddesses. This is why we find in ancient Egyptian temples a distinctive architectural element called “Mamisi”, which is a corruption of “m3ꜥ ms”, meaning “place of birth”.

The mamisi is the place where the birth of young gods was celebrated within the temples, such as Horus and other goddesses. This stone tent is often decorated with columns resembling plants, echoing the Egyptian mythology of the goddess Isis, who nursed her baby Horus in the delta's bush during his childhood.

Philae Mammisi

How Were Gods Connected to Childbirth in Egypt?

This tent was always under the care and protection of Bes, one of the guardian gods, depicted as a small dwarf. His role is to protect the tent from any danger, using the weapons and knives he carries. In addition to his bizarre appearance, his appearance was a source of joy and reassurance for the pregnant woman during the last months of her pregnancy.

Being under divine protection, this tent was seen as a place of safety from all evil. Statues and paintings representing the god Horus were also used, inscribed with magical spells intended to protect the pregnant woman from physical or moral harm.

Bes and Beset

In this period, the pregnant woman was under the care of the goddess Taweret, whose name means “Taweret”, the great goddess. This goddess was often depicted as a hippopotamus, who was responsible for protecting the pregnant woman, due to the similarity between the pregnant woman's belly and the body of the goddess Taweret, which made her symbolize protection and care during pregnancy.

In ancient Egypt, when labor pains began and a woman approached the moment of birth, a group of women, either priestesses or women specialized in childbirth rituals, were summoned, often seven women.

Known in ancient Egyptian texts as the Seven Hathoras, these women were priestesses dedicated to assisting women during the birthing process.

Their role was not only physical, but also spiritual and prophetic; they would predict what would happen to a woman's newborn, such as:

His life expectancy.
His professional future.
The amount of his wealth.
His state of health.
How happy he is.
His social status.
And finally, his fate in the afterlife before God.

The goal was to bring joy and reassurance to the pregnant woman's heart, giving her a sense of security and happiness in one of the most difficult moments of her life.

When women in ancient Egypt gave birth, they had special customs, as it was the rule that childbirth did not take place on a bed as is customary, but on a special birthing chair. For the rich or noble classes, the chair was usually rectangular and had a circular recess in the center. The pregnant woman would sit on it to give birth, and the midwife would receive the baby from below. For the poor or simple people, the birth took place on two large stone blocks placed parallel to each other, and the woman gave birth on them.

This method of childbirth used by the ancient Egyptians was considered very effective in facilitating childbirth. It helped to speed up the descent of the fetus easier and faster compared to giving birth on the bed. This method was then passed on to the people of the Levant, then to Greece, and spread to Europe. Today, modern medicine has adopted the same method used by the ancient Egyptians for childbirth, as it is very useful in facilitating the birth of a baby more quickly.

As for the issues that pregnant women faced during childbirth, they were life-threatening in ancient Egypt. Difficult and obstructed births were the leading cause of death, especially postpartum complications such as puerperal fever. In addition, the highest rates of infant mortality in ancient Egypt occurred in early childhood.

For more about Women's Rights in Ancient Egypt

Women's Rights in Ancient Egypt: Marriage, Divorce, Inheritance

Birth in ancient Egypt

How Were Names Chosen for Children in Ancient Egypt?

One of the things that characterized the ancient Egyptians was the choice of children's names. Names were chosen in several ways in ancient Egypt. Each person had two names: One is the normal name given at birth, and the other is another name called “rn-nfr”, which means “beautiful name” in Ancient Egypt. This name was usually a nickname or surname used in everyday life. In most ancient Egyptian texts, people dealt with their nicknames instead of their personal names, so we find that these nicknames were not only limited to ordinary people, but were also used for important people, and even kings were given names of this kind.

As for formal names, ancient Egyptians used them only in official transactions or in official documents such as state correspondence, on paintings and statues, or on the walls of tombs. Names in ancient Egypt could take several forms, depending on their choice. Ancient Egyptian names usually carried the meaning of adjectives, and these adjectives were derived from words, some of which were kind or beautiful words, while others tended to be humorous in expressing names. Therefore, ancient Egyptian names had meanings even if we don't know their exact meaning yet.

Names in ancient Egypt were also characterized by the fact that they were often small words. Among the common names were names that were in the form of praise, that is, containing words that indicate praise, such as the word “nfr,” which was a very common male name, while the feminine form was “nfrt,” which means “good,” “beautiful,” or “beautiful.” This was a very popular name for males. This was a very popular name in ancient Egypt.

Among the names that also expressed good qualities, there were names like “ḥsy,” which means “praised” or “the one who is praised.” There was also the name “P3 ḥry” which means “high” or “elevated”.

There was also the name “nḥt” which means “strong,” and there were many families in ancient Egypt with this name, and it referred to power and might.

Women in ancient Egypt often had cute names, and among the common names for women was “Sšn,” which means “flower” or “rose.” Another name for women was “Sšn,” which means “flower” or “rose. Another name for women was

“ꜥnt”, which means ‘beautiful’, a woman who is so beautiful that her eyes are wide open, expressing a striking beauty. Another common name was ‘dḥst’, which means ‘deer’, a name that was common in ancient Egypt.

There was also the name “t3 fdt,” which means “fragrant,” meaning “very fragrant” or “very perfumed.” Another name was “mryt,” which means “beloved.” These names were some of the most popular names used by the ancient Egyptians and were derived from adjectives.

Sometimes the name was chosen based on the child's date of birth. For example, a boy might be called “psḏ,” which means “ninth,” if he was born on the ninth day of the month, or if he was the ninth in the order of his siblings. In ancient Egypt, it was common for names to be chosen according to a child's date of birth or based on their sibling ranking.

There were also names associated with surnames or gods, such as “Mry RꜤ” which means “Mery-Ra”. There were also names derived from animals, such as mꜢj, meaning “lion”, which was the name given to the person named.

There were also some names that were used to provoke laughter or to keep envy away from the child. For example, there was a name

“nḏs” meaning ‘small’ or ‘very little’, and ‘ḏsr’ or ‘ḏsr’ meaning ‘dwarf’ or ‘short’. Another funny name was “bw rhf,” which was given to someone who was “stupid” or “doesn't know anything.”

Although these names were common in ancient Egypt, it was rare for a name to be long. Most names were short or abbreviated. Sometimes, the names consisted of a full sentence derived from the name of the king or god, but it was usually accompanied by an abbreviated name. In some cases, the meaning could not be clearly understood, but these names were used to reflect certain meanings derived from the original name.

What Was the Breastfeeding Duration for Children in Ancient Egypt?

The lactation period in ancient Egypt was long, sometimes lasting up to three years. During this time, the mother would breastfeed the child, whether it was a boy or a girl. This period was considered critical for the care of the child, because if the mother was unable to produce milk or breastfeed, it could jeopardize the life of the child or the mother herself. This is why the ancient Egyptians used many prescriptions that could help nourish the mother and increase milk production.

In ancient Egypt, lactation was under the patronage of the gods, especially the goddess Hathor, who was considered the protector of mothers and lactation. There was also another goddess called Renenutet, who was depicted breastfeeding a newborn baby. From her name, it was inferred that she was concerned with helping mothers breastfeed their babies. In this context, it was believed that by the time a child was three years old, he or she had outgrown breastfeeding and was able to move around and face diseases that might arise in society.

goddess Renenutet

In ancient Egypt, children were recognized in images and texts by a tuft of hair that hung on the right side of their head. This tuft of hair was a symbol of childhood. This custom still exists today in Upper Egypt, where children's hair is completely shaved, but a small tuft is left at the front of the head, and this tuft remains until around the age of seven, before the hair is completely shaved. During this period, the child goes through the boyhood stage and starts to go out of the house.

A child from ancient Egypt

What Toys Did Children Play with in Ancient Egypt?

Children's toys in ancient Egypt varied between boys and girls, as these toys were handmade or bought in the market and were very simple. For girls, the toys included brides, which were made of wood and decorated with string braids, as seen in drawings and artifacts. For boys, their toys included dice, as dice were used in many ancient Egyptian toys.

In addition, there were animated dolls such as a horse and rider riding a horse, or a laborer making grain. These toys were animated so that they could be moved using strings, making them move as if they were running or doing something.

Another fun thing that existed was the ball, which was known in ancient Egypt, but was considered a game for girls rather than boys. Boys' games tended to be a bit more forceful and violent, such as running, jumping, racing games, hunting, harpooning, and boating.

Interestingly, some of these games are still practiced today in some areas of rural Egypt. This shows that many of the games that were popular in ancient Egypt have been passed on to modern generations, reflecting the continuity of Egyptian cultural heritage.

Toys Did Children Play with in Ancient Egypt

When Did Children Start School in Ancient Egypt?

In ancient Egypt, a child's education began at the age of seven, when he or she enrolled in the book or village school, where he or she learned the basics of reading and writing. Education was open to both genders, with boys and girls learning these basic skills together. During this period, the child begins to transition from childhood to adulthood, and this transition officially begins with the circumcision process, which took place at the age of about 14.

Was Circumcision Practiced in Ancient Egypt?

Circumcision was considered an important stage in a young man's life, as completing the procedure qualified him to join the military or get married and start a family. Marriage usually took place at an early age, around 16 years old, so circumcision was part of the preparation for this life stage. The procedure was also considered a physical purification, and a circumcised person was required to enter temples or the afterlife, which distinguishes Egyptians from other peoples.

As for female circumcision, although ancient Egyptian documents do not clearly indicate that Egyptians knew about it, there is only one reference in Greek texts from the second century BCE, which refers to a woman who paid a woman who performed female circumcision according to Egyptian customs. However, Egyptian knowledge of female circumcision has not been fully documented in documents or Egyptian mummies examined in later historical periods.

This suggests that circumcision was part of the ritualized rites of passage for young men in ancient Egypt, but it was limited to males and there is no conclusive confirmation of its application to females for most of ancient Egyptian history.

When a young man reached the age of circumcision in ancient Egypt, he was considered to have passed from childhood to adolescence and youth. At this stage, a young man becomes eligible for marriage and gains the ability to work and earn his own living. This transition was considered the beginning of independence, as the person was able to assume responsibility in society without the control of the family, although loyalty and respect towards parents remained throughout their lives.

Written by H. Moses