10 Weird Facts About Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is a fascinating civilization with many intriguing aspects. Here are some strange and weird facts about ancient Egypt.

Toothpaste of the Ancients

The Egyptians had an early form of toothpaste made with ingredients such as burnt eggshells, ashes, and powdered ox hooves. They believed that this mixture helped keep their teeth clean and white.

Cat Obsession

Cats were highly revered in ancient Egypt and were considered sacred animals. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, and killing a cat, even accidentally, was a crime punishable by death.

Mummified Animals

It was not just humans who were mummified; The Egyptians also mummified animals, including cats, dogs, crocodiles, and even baboons, as offerings to the gods.

Honey as Medicine

Honey was used as an important ingredient in ancient Egyptian medicine. It was applied to wounds as a natural antibiotic and was also used to treat various ailments.

Hieroglyphic Mystery

Despite the decipherment of hieroglyphics in the early 19th century by scholars such as Jean-François Champollion, some aspects of the language and specific meanings of certain symbols remain unclear or debated among Egyptologists

False Beards

Pharaohs and other high-ranking officials wore false beards as a symbol of their status and divinity. These beards were often woven and pinned to the ruler’s chin or tied around the ears.

Cosmetic Practices

Both men and women wore a lot of makeup in ancient Egypt. Kohl, made from minerals, was used as eyeliner to protect against the glare of the sun and ward off evil spirits.

Pyramids’ Alignment

The Great Pyramid of Giza is aligned almost perfectly with the cardinal points of the compass, north, south, east and west. The precision of this alignment is remarkable considering the enormous size of the pyramid and the era in which it was built.

Cursed Tombs

The concept of a “curse” associated with the opening of tombs, particularly that of Tutankhamun, became very popular after Lord Carnarvon, who financed the expedition, died shortly after the opening of the tomb. grave. However, it is more likely that he died due to an infection from a mosquito bite, not a curse.

Beer Consumption

Beer was a staple drink in ancient Egypt and was consumed by people of all ages, including children. It was considered safer to drink than water because the brewing process kills bacteria.

These peculiarities of ancient Egyptian culture provide a glimpse into the unique and sometimes unusual aspects of this ancient civilization.

Also Read :
5 Weird Facts About Ancient Egypt
7 Fascinating Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
5 Harsh Realities of Egyptian Royal Families
Unusual and Lesser-Known Facts about Ancient Egypt