The Egyptian nobles liked to enjoy themselves on a grand scale. They hunted for birds, crocodiles, hippos and lions in parties using chariots and dogs, or even tame cheetahs. They also invented fishing for pleasure.

Their banquets were elaborate affairs held to celebrate births, marriages or religious festivals. They hired cooks, dressed in their finery, drank copious amounts of wine and were entertained by musicians and dancers.

Sport provided entertainment for everyone. Boxing and fencing were popular and new pharoahs often held races around the pyramids. Board games were also extremely popular – especially Senet, a game based on the passage of the dead to the underworld.