Ah, the ancient Egyptians! The civilization that gave us the pyramids, hieroglyphs, and a questionable amount of love for cats. But let’s get to the juicy part: what did they really look like through the ages? Spoiler alert: It’s a wild ride!
Related reading: Unveiling Ancient Egyptians
First, let’s hop in our imaginary time machine and set the dial to around 3000 BC. This is when the Egyptians were just starting to flex their architectural muscles. The Pharaohs were rocking some serious bling – think gold, lapis lazuli, and enough eyeliner to make a modern rock star envious. They had a penchant for the whole ‘serious business’ look, with their shendyt (a fancy loincloth) and beaded collars. It was like they were always ready for a royal photo shoot!
Fast forward a thousand years to the Middle Kingdom (around 2000 BC). The fashion game got a little more refined. Gone were the days of just slapping on jewels and hoping for the best. Egyptians started to experiment with linen, creating garments that were not only breathable in the scorching desert sun but also super chic. It was like the ancient version of ‘How to Look Good While Sweating Profusely.’ This era also saw the introduction of more elaborate hairstyles, which could only be described as ‘Can I borrow your gold leaf?’ level of glam.
Now, if you think we can skip to the New Kingdom (around 1550 BC) without mentioning the wigs, think again! Oh, the wigs! Egyptians took hair to a whole new level of commitment. We’re talking hairstyles that could rival a modern-day diva’s. Men and women alike adorned their heads with braided wigs that were often so heavy, one might assume they were preparing for a windstorm. But hey, it’s all about that dramatic flair, right?
Let’s not forget the influence of foreign conquests! As Egypt expanded its territories, so did its fashion sense. By the time the Greeks and Romans came to play, ancient Egyptians were mixing styles like a smooth DJ at a wedding reception. Suddenly, you’d see a Pharaoh rocking a toga-like garment while sipping on some fancy wine. A little cultural exchange never hurt anyone, except maybe their original fashion sense.
And what about the artists? Those guys had a knack for portraying Egyptians in a way that made them look like they had a permanent filter on their lives. Their depictions were a bit idealized, showcasing everyone as tall, slender, and eternally youthful. In reality, let’s be honest, they probably had their share of bad hair days and sunburns, just like the rest of us!
So, what can we conclude about the looks of ancient Egyptians? They were trendsetters who took beauty and fashion seriously. They knew how to accessorize, and they weren’t afraid to mix it up when the occasion called. Whether it was a pharaoh preparing for an afterlife adventure or a commoner trying to impress their crush, ancient Egyptians dressed to the nines, proving that even thousands of years ago, looking good was a full-time job.
In conclusion, if you’re ever in doubt about your own outfit choices, just remember: at least you don’t have to worry about dressing for eternity. And if you do, just go full-on Cleopatra – it worked for her!
Inspired by: “This is what Egyptians looked like in different eras [OC]” (r/interestingasfuck)