Manger en Égypte : multiples témoins

Abstract

Eating in Ancient Egypt: manifold evidence. The analysis of the Ancient Egyptians’ diet dates back to the beginning of egyptology. It is based on rich and varied testimonies. Administrative or private writings, inscriptions on monuments, literary fictions, sapiential books or medical compendium, as well as three or two dimensional figures, give vital information. The archaeological evidence, architectural structures, kitchen utensils, and food remains preserved by a particularly dry climate, provide additional elements. Human remains show characteristic pathologies due to some specific diet. The combination of all this data allows us to restore some of the Egyptians’ habits : eating places, customs related to and what is eaten and drunk. However, sometimes, different sources seem to contradict each other.