The free labouring population must be distinguished from the slaves, who were partly negroes, partly captives taken in war.

The greater part of the latter were employed on the public works.

The mines and quarries were worked by criminals.
At home the well-to-do Egyptian was artistic in his tastes.

The walls and columns of his house were frescoed with pictures, and his furniture was at once comfortable and tasteful.

Chairs and tables are of patterns which might well be imitated to-day, and the smallest and commonest articles of toilet were aesthetically and carefully made.