49 Fascinating Ancient Egypt Writing Prompts
Writing about Ancient Egypt provides a wealth of opportunities to explore a fascinating civilisation. Whether you’re looking for creative writing ideas, journal prompts, or story starter sentences, this list offers a variety of ways to engage with this rich historical period.
These prompts are designed to inspire and challenge, making them suitable for writers of all levels.
Ancient Egypt Writing Prompts
The Majesty of the Pharaohs
Imagine a day in the life of a young Pharaoh. Describe his daily routine, the challenges he faces, and his interactions with his subjects. Another fascinating topic is the building of the pyramids. Picture yourself as an architect tasked with designing the Great Pyramid and write about the lives of the workers, the construction process, and the secrets the pyramid might hold.
Mysteries of the Nile
Consider the experience of a journey down the Nile. Describe the sights and sounds of a boat journey, the people you meet along the way, and the adventures that await. Alternatively, explore the Nile’s role in daily life, detailing how it influences agriculture and trade, and write about a festival celebrating the annual flood.
The Magic of Egyptian Mythology
Imagine meeting the gods of Ancient Egypt. Describe an encounter with Ra, the Sun God, how Isis assists you in a time of need, or a conversation with Anubis in the afterlife. You could also embark on a mythological adventure, such as a quest to find the Book of Thoth, detailing the obstacles you face and the characters who help or hinder your journey.
The Art and Culture of Egypt
Visualise creating a masterpiece in Ancient Egypt. As an artist commissioned to paint a mural in a tomb, describe the scenes you depict and the materials you use. Another cultural event to explore is attending a major Egyptian festival. Write about the sights, sounds, and smells, and the performances and rituals you witness.
The Lives of Ordinary Egyptians
Consider the perspective of a farmer in Ancient Egypt. Describe a day in his life, the tools and techniques he uses, and his interactions with family and community. Another angle is to write about a merchant travelling to trade goods. Detail the challenges he faces on the road and the exotic items he brings back.
The Afterlife and Burial Practices
Imagine the process of preparing for the afterlife from the perspective of an embalmer. Describe the mummification process, the rituals performed, and the family’s involvement. You could also write about the soul’s journey through the Duat, the Egyptian underworld, detailing the trials it faces and how it achieves immortality.
Political Intrigue and Warfare
Visualise a diplomatic mission to a neighbouring kingdom. Write about the envoy’s purpose, the negotiations that take place, and the cultural exchanges. Alternatively, describe a battle for the throne, detailing the power struggle between rival claimants, the key players, and their strategies.
Special Focus: Prompts for Advanced Writers
Imagine discovering a lost manuscript in the Library of Alexandria. Write about the knowledge it contains and how it changes the course of history. Another intriguing scenario is time travel to Ancient Egypt. As a modern-day historian, detail your discoveries and interactions with the locals.
Journal Prompts
Write a diary entry from the perspective of a slave building the pyramids, or imagine yourself as a scribe recording the daily events of the court. You could also describe the emotions of an Egyptian soldier returning home after a campaign.
Story Starter Sentences
Use these story starter sentences to kickstart your imagination: “As the sun set over the Nile, the city of Thebes came alive with the sounds of…,” “Hidden deep within the pyramid, the secret chamber revealed…,” and “With a heart full of trepidation, she stepped into the tomb, knowing that…”
Writing Ideas for Young Writers
Young writers can describe a day in the life of a young Egyptian child, imagine being an animal in Ancient Egypt, or write about a magical artefact that gives special powers.
Story Prompts for Short Stories
Create a short story around a mysterious stranger arriving in a village with a prophecy, an ancient curse threatening to destroy the kingdom unless a hero steps forward, or two friends discovering hidden treasure while exploring the desert.
Writing Topic: Unsolved Mysteries of Ancient Egypt
Explore unsolved mysteries such as the disappearance of Queen Nefertiti, the secrets of the Sphinx, and the unexplained deaths of Tutankhamun’s tomb discoverers.
Additional Ancient Egypt Writing Prompts
Consider the role of women in Ancient Egypt by describing the life of a female Pharaoh or a high-ranking priestess and the challenges she faces in a male-dominated society.
Explore innovations and inventions like the creation of papyrus and its impact on communication or the development of irrigation techniques and their transformation of agriculture.
Imagine you are a healer using ancient medical practices, detailing the remedies and treatments.
Describe how Ancient Egyptians used the stars for navigation and timekeeping, and write about the significance of celestial events in their culture.
Lastly, envision a day in a temple, writing about the daily rituals performed by priests and the common people’s interactions with the temple and its deities.
Ancient Egypt provides an endless source of inspiration for writers. From the grandeur of the pyramids to the intricate details of daily life, there is much to explore and imagine.
These 49 ancient Egypt writing prompts are designed to help you delve into this captivating civilisation, whether you are looking for story starter sentences, journal prompts, or creative writing ideas. Let your imagination soar and bring the wonders of Ancient Egypt to life through your words.
