It was important for all Egyptians to take part in the leisure activities, as it gave them an opportunity to relax and socialise, it also gave them a positive flow of energy and a chance to refresh their minds from stresses such as work and complications within their own lives.
The modern written source entitled “Egypt: Society in the new kingdom Egypt to the death of Amenhotep III” tells us a lot about the leisure activities of all social classes in the time of the new kingdom age. This source goes into detail about the activities of the Pharaoh, Viziers, High Priests & Noble’s on pages 82-85 in book II.
During the time of the new kingdom age in Egypt, there was a range of leisure activities available, especially for the nobility. Numerous public festivals and holidays ensured that the people had the time to fit in these activities.
There was a transition of technology from the old kingdom times to the new kingdom times in Egypt. Traditionally hunting was done on foot, however in the new kingdom age, horses and chariot were utilised. An ancient written source entitled “Userhet, royal scribe under Amenhotep II” describes to us that Userhet was in a chariot and shot at gazelles, jackals, hares and other animals. Reins are tied to his waist and his bow is ready to shoot. This source supports the activity of hunting within the time of the new age. The nobles favoured the bow as their main weapon for hunting. The desert and marshlands were common hunting grounds with the ibex, gazelle, wild cattle and ostriches all being hunted. Throwing sticks and hunting dogs was also another method used when hunting. In Ineni’s tomb: