Hunting in Ancient Egypt

The types of hunting in ancient Egypt were diverse: The ancient Egyptian enjoyed hunting for several purposes, most importantly that hunting some types of fish, birds, and some land animals such as rabbits was food for him and his family. Some types of hunting were a sport for him, whether using arrows to hunt some animals, as well as nets and some spears. The ancient Egyptian also used some types of dogs for hunting. And we find all the scenes depicting the ancient Egyptian hunting and highlighting his strength and bravery in hunting, especially when using spears and arrows.

Fishing

Due to the presence of the Nile River, the ancient Egyptian used it to catch different types of fish, most importantly tilapia and tuna. He used nets to catch fish. And sometimes he also used boats, from which he would lower nets into the Nile with food for the fish. When the fish ate the bait, the fisherman would catch the fish as food for himself and his children, and he would also trade it. -A scene of a fishing boat on the Nile River

Fishing with a double-headed harpoon in a painting on the wall of the tomb of Osorkon in Western Thebes.

Bird Hunting

The ancient Egyptian was fond of hunting birds, especially in the Delta marshes. He used either boat and nets, and sometimes used some animals like cats and dogs. -A scene from the walls of the tomb of Osorkon, showing the ancient Egyptian roasting a bird.

A scene of flocks of geese in the tomb of Nebamun (now in the British Museum).

A depiction on the walls of the tomb of Nebamun showing a scene of hunting birds and fish from nature (now in the British Museum).

Hunting Animals

Kings and nobles were fond of hunting animals with spears and arrows. The kings would go out in their war chariots, especially in Memphis, to hunt various types of animals, including predators such as leopards, lions, and tigers. -A painting depicting a pharaoh on a boat practicing the Arrow hunting