The family was important in ancient Egypt. Family members helped each other in life, and were expected to provide everything needed for their dead relatives to enjoy in the Afterlife. People expected to get married and have children. They often married young, at about fifteen for boys and twelve for girls.

Parents and children

Stelae (inscribed slabs of stone or wood) found in tombs often show a husband and wife with their children and grandchildren. Children were important. The eldest son would be responsible for the burial of his father, and would only gain his inheritance when he had done so. A proper burial was so vital to the ancient Egyptians that having no children to do this was frightening.

Husband and wife

Some people may have married because they loved each other, but many probably married the person their parents chose as suitable. Statues and tomb decorations often show a husband and wife with their arms around each other, or with their family. Important people had statues made as offerings to the gods. These often showed the donor with his wife and children standing beside him.

Because many women died young in childbirth and because divorce was possible, people often married more than once.