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The wall paintings from Nebamun's tomb-chapel show an idealised vision of daily ancient Egyptian life. The objects on display in Room 61, which are from the same time period, hint at the actual experience of living in Egypt for both the rich and poor.
Many of the objects in this gallery belonged to the wealthy and survived only because they were buried in tombs. They provide a glimpse of these people’s lavish lifestyles.
Much less is known about the lives of the majority of society. The study of human remains in poor cemeteries is often the only way of learning about the short lives of most ancient Egyptians.
Ancient Egyptian death Conserving the wall-paintings
Collections database search results Objects in the gallery related to: Lives of wealthy ancient Egyptians The wealthy ancient Egyptian house Lives of ancient Egyptian workers
Wooden toy cat from Thebes, Egypt, New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC)More information
Wooden toy cat from Thebes, Egypt
Glass bottle in the shape of a fish, from el-Amarna, Egypt, around 1390-1336 BCMore information
Glass bottle in the shape of a fish, around 1390-1336 BC
Ostrich feather fan found in Thebes, Egypt
Straight-backed chair from Thebes, Egypt
Chair from Thebes, Egypt
Fun-filled Egyptian hieroglyphic activity kit, £16.99
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