Ancient Egypt: A Brief History

For almost 3,000 years, from around 3100 B.C. until Alexander the Great’s conquest in 332 B.C., Ancient Egypt was one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations in the Mediterranean. Egypt’s rich culture is known for its pyramids, hieroglyphs, and incredible art and architecture. This ancient civilization left behind countless monuments and artifacts that tell the story of its people and traditions.

Egypt’s history is divided into different periods, from the Old Kingdom (known for pyramid building) to the Middle Kingdom (a time of prosperity) and the New Kingdom (Egypt’s golden age of empire). Throughout these times, Egypt’s rulers, known as pharaohs, were seen as gods on Earth, and their power shaped Egyptian society. The Nile River was the lifeblood of the civilization, providing fertile soil for farming, which supported Egypt’s economy and allowed its culture to flourish.

But beyond pyramids and temples, the people of Egypt expressed themselves through fashion. Their clothing wasn’t just practical—it reflected their status, beliefs, and style.

Egyptian Clothing

The most important piece of clothing for men in Ancient Egypt was called the schenti. This was a simple white skirt-like cloth wrapped around the waist. Every man wore a schenti, from farmers and slaves to pharaohs. The difference? Important people starched their schenti, making it stick out at the front – symbolizing power and masculinity. This ties into a recurring theme in fashion: the interplay between sexuality and false advertising.

Women in Ancient Egypt often wore very little clothing, not because of fashion but because nudity wasn’t taboo in their culture. When they did dress, they wore beautiful, pleated dresses called kalas. These dresses were light, see-through, and draped in different ways. Sometimes, men wore kalas too! Wealthier people could afford beaded versions of these dresses, worn over the bare body. The beadwork made them expensive, so these outfits were a sign of wealth and style.

Fashion didn’t change much over thousands of years in Egypt. When it did, it was because the world around them changed. But even with simple designs, Egyptian clothing always reflected status, fashion, and personal style.

Headdresses and Crowns: Symbols of Power

When you think of Ancient Egypt, you probably picture the famous headdresses and crowns. One of the most iconic is the nemes crown—a striped, starched cloth worn by pharaohs. This crown symbolized royalty and power. When the nemes was tucked in at the back, it was called a cat.

Another important crown was the blue crown of war. When you see this in Egyptian art, it usually means the person wearing it was a military hero or a pharaoh who won many battles.

Egyptians also wore stunning jewelry. The usekh or wesekh collars were large, beaded necklaces that rested on the shoulders. Egyptians loved gold, and their jewelry included pendants, rings, bracelets, and necklaces shaped like animals, such as bees or snakes. While some jewelry had spiritual meanings, much of it was worn simply because it looked beautiful—just like today!

Makeup and Beauty

Both men and women in Egypt loved to wear makeup. They mixed minerals with water or paste to create colors that lasted all day. Egyptians especially loved eye makeup. They used black kohl and green pigments to line their eyes, which helped protect them from the sun and reduce glare—practical and stylish!

Ancient Egyptians also had makeup kits filled with small bottles and brushes. These tools were used to apply different colors and coals to their faces. Wearing makeup wasn’t just for beauty—it was also seen as a form of protection against evil spirits.

Hair and Wigs

In Ancient Egypt, shaving was a common practice for both men and women. People shaved their heads and bodies because it was considered clean and hygienic. But they didn’t stay bald all the time—they wore wigs!

Wigs were made from human hair or horsehair and were decorated with beads. Wealthy Egyptians hired hairdressers to create and style their wigs. But regular women often went out with bald heads, especially during hot weather.

Beards: Real and Fake

Some important men grew small, wispy beards on their chins, which they dyed red with henna and decorated with gold thread. But most of the beards you see in Egyptian art—especially on pharaohs and dignitaries—were fake!

These fake beards were made from gold or copper and tied to the face with ribbons or leather straps. Beards in Egypt symbolized wisdom and power, and their shape or color could signify different events or ceremonies. Some statues even had removable beards, allowing people to change their appearance whenever they wanted.

Fashion That Stood the Test of Time

In Ancient Egypt, clothing and fashion were more than just practical—they were a way to show status, identity, and beliefs. From the simple schenti skirts to the elaborate beaded dresses and gold jewelry, Egyptian fashion reflected a deep appreciation for beauty and style.

Whether it was a pharaoh’s nemes crown, a noblewoman’s kalas dress, or a farmer’s simple schenti, fashion in Ancient Egypt told a story. It showed the world who you were and how you wanted to be seen—and that’s something we still do today!