top of page

What Food Did The Ancient Egyptians Eat? - The River Nile Diet

  • Feb 2
  • 2 min read

The diet of the ancient Egyptians was completely dependent on the River Nile. The Nile provided water for farming livestock, attracted wild animals that the Egyptians could hunt and kept the soil fertile to grow crops. In fact, the River Nile made food so abundant for the ancient Egyptians that in a good season, they could grow enough food to store for leaner months!


So, what sort of food did the River Nile provide for the ancient Egyptians?


Ancient Egyptian Food


Sunlit wheat field at golden hour, green stalks swaying gently. The horizon glows warmly under a clear sky, evoking tranquility.

Cereals

The Ancient Egyptians grew lots of their own crops next in the fertile soil on the banks of the river. These crops included cereals like barley and emmer wheat which, once harvested, were made into the staple food and drink of the ancient Egyptians; bread and beer. Find out more about ancient Egyptian bread and beer here.


Close-up of fresh figs, some whole and others sliced, showing red interiors. Water droplets add a fresh detail to the deep purple skin.

Fruits and Vegetables

The ancient Egyptians also grew their own fruits and vegetables and many wild vegetables could be found around the banks of the river. Their diet would have included vegetables like garlic cabbages, onions and cucumbers and fruits like figs, melons and grapes. They would also grow pulses for a source of protein like chickpeas, beans and lentils.


Hippos partially submerged in calm blue water. Four visible, facing away, creating a relaxed and serene scene. No text present.

Meat

Cattle were farmed by the wealthy and would be eaten as a luxury on special occasions. The lush plants growing in the fertile land around the banks of the Nile also attracted animals. This made it a great location for hunting - a popular sport of the Pharaohs who liked to show their prowess by taking down large beasts for dinner like hippos! Some Egyptians also enjoyed eating hedgehogs. Baking the hedgehog in clay would trap the animal's sharp spikes and pull them out when the clay was removed.


Fish swim in clear turquoise water above a textured, sandy bottom. The scene is peaceful with light patterns highlighting the fish.

Fish

The Egyptians would also go fishing in the Nile using spears and nets to catch food. In this way, the Nile could still be used to gather food even when it was in flood and no crops could be grown or harvested. Though they had to be careful what to catch because some fish were thought to be sacred. If you ate them, you might offend the gods.


Quail eggs in a nest, one cracked open showing yolk. Eggs are speckled brown and white, set on a textured gray surface. Rustic mood.

Poultry

Birds like ducks, geese, quail, pigeons and even ostriches would be hunted along the banks of the river and was popular amongst poorer people. The eggs from these birds were also a great source of protein for a varied diet.


bottom of page