Chapter 9: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
Essential Question: How did social class affect daily life in ancient Egypt?
In this chapter, you learn about Egypt's social pyramid and how their social class determined the daily life of ancient Egyptians.
Government Officials
This was the highest social class after the pharaoh. Many officials were nobles who inherited their jobs, but some rose to power. Three key officials were the vizier, the chief treasurer, and the general of the armies. Priests Priests were powerful and respected. They advised the pharaoh, oversaw religious ceremonies, took care of temple gods, and prepared bodies for the afterlife. Scribes Scribes were Egypt's official writers and record keepers. They were well paid and respected. They trained for many years in special schools to learn hieroglyphs, Egypt's writing symbols. Boys from several social classes could become scribes. Artisans These highly skilled laborers created beautiful objects but got little respect. Stone carvers were among the most skilled and important artisans. Peasants This lowest and largest social class grew crops that supplied food and also helped build monuments such as the pyramids. Peasants' lives revolved around the three seasons of the Nile River. |
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