Everyone in ancient Egypt had a job to do! Most people were farmers. They planted seeds after the flood, watered the fields, and harvested wheat and barley. During flood season, when fields were underwater, many farmers helped build temples and pyramids instead.
There were many other jobs too. Bakers made bread and sweet honey cakes. Potters shaped clay from the river into jars and bowls. Fishermen cast nets into the Nile. Carpenters built boats and furniture. Doctors mixed medicines from honey and plants.
Egyptians usually did not use money. Instead, they traded! A fisherman might swap fish for a farmer's bread, or a potter might trade a jar for some cloth. This kind of swapping is called bartering.
1. What job did most Egyptians have?
2. What did farmers do during flood season?
3. How did Egyptians get things without money?
Write the letter that matches each worker: A = bakes bread, B = shapes clay jars, C = catches fish, D = grows crops, E = builds boats.
| Worker | Job (A–E) |
|---|---|
| Farmer | |
| Fisherman | |
| Baker | |
| Potter | |
| Carpenter |
1. Most ancient Egyptians were .
2. During the season, farmers helped build big projects.
3. Potters made jars from river .
4. Instead of money, Egyptians would goods.
5. Swapping fish for bread is called .
You need: a family member and some small items (toys, snacks, crayons).
Give each person 3 items. Now barter like Egyptians! Try to trade for something you want. No money allowed — only swapping. Write your best trade below.
| What I gave | What I got |
|---|---|
1. Which ancient Egyptian job would you pick? Why?
2. Was bartering easy or hard in your trading game? Why?