Ancient Egypt for Kids
Economy and Trade

The ancient Egyptians were wonderful traders. They traded gold, papyrus, linen, and grain for cedar wood, ebony, copper, iron, ivory, and lapis lazuli (a lovely blue gem stone.) Ships sailed up and down the Nile River, bringing goods to various ports. Once goods were unloaded, goods were hauled to various merchants by camel, cart, and on foot. (Donkeys were used by farmers, not traders usually.) Egyptians traders met traders from other civilizations just beyond the mouth of the Nile, to trade for goods brought to them, but they did not often travel themselves much beyond the Nile River. 

For social ranking, merchants were right under scribes in importance. They were respected.

The ancient Egyptians bought goods from merchants. They traded goods through their shops and in the public marketplaces.

How did the ancient Egyptians pay for the goods they traded? (Grain Banks, Barter, Metal Weights, Bread and Beer, the Marketplace)

The Marketplace

Egyptian Boats and Square Sails