The earliest inhabitants of Egypt lived in huts made from papyrus reeds. However, it was soon discovered that the mud left behind after the annual flooding of the Nile could be made into bricks which could be used for building. Bricks were made by mixing mud and straw and leaving them to dry.
As their civilization developed, the Ancient Egyptians began to build houses with two floors. The top floor was where people lived, and the lower floor was used to store crops. These people created reed canopies to protect their houses from the hot Egyptian sun. The houses of the wealthy had a courtyard in the centre. Floors were covered with reed mats. Household furniture consisted of wooden stools, beds raised from the floor and individual tables.
The Ancient Egyptians placed a great value on hygiene and personal appearance. Most bathed in the Nile and used a pasty soap made from animal fat and chalk. Clothing was made from simple linen sheets that were bleached white, and both men and women of the upper classes wore wigs, jewellery, and cosmetics.