A Day in the Life of a Babylonian...

Babylonians were short and stocky. They called themselves "the dark-haired people" because of their dark hair, dark eyes, and dark skin. Their eyes may have slanted downwards, and they had thin lips and noses. Babylonians wore wool clothing, like tunics, made from sheep. Women wore their hair at shoulder length.

Babylonian men dressed in tunics

Everyone was expected to work for the good of the city. Babylonians did not use money, but paid for things using food, jewelry, and wool. In return for their work, the government made sure that everyone had food, shelter, and clothing.

The city of Babylon: showing the ziggurat and family homes

Parents arranged marriages for their children, and sometimes the couples did not meet until their wedding day! Women were expected to stay home and look after the home and the children. Men worked outside the home. Children spent their time working in field areas. There were schools in Babylon, but only boys could attend them, and only if their parents were wealthy. Most Babylonians lived in a one-bedroom home with a kitchen and bathrooms. Babylonians ate two meals a day: one in the morning and one in the early evening. Their diet consisted mainly of: bread, cheese, vegetables, oil, and porridge.

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