Social structures of Ancient Egypt

1. Social structures of Ancient Egypt By: Miguel, Kasia, Zach

2. Egyptians organize their society • Egypt had its own class system. • Pharaohs were at the top, with royal families. Then government officials and high priests and priestesses. Next, was the merchants, scribes, and artisans. The bottom was the largest made up of peasants, who worked the land. • Most Egyptians were peasant farmers. Many were slaves.

3. Changes to social structure • During the new kingdom social classes became more fluid as trade and warfare increased. • Foreign conquest brought riches to Egypt which in turn meant more businesses for artisans.

4. Egyptian women enjoyed higher status • Egyptian women generally enjoyed a higher status and greater independence then women elsewhere in the ancient world. • Under Egyptian law women could inherit property, enter business deals, buy and sell goods, go to court, and obtain a divorce. • Women’s work was not confined to the home. Women manufactured perfume and textiles, managed farming estates, and served as doctors. • Women could also enter the priesthood especially in the service of goddesses.

5. Egyptian women enjoyed higher status continued… • Few women learned to read and write. If they did they were excluded from becoming scribes or holding government jobs. • Men and women were treated equally, except for the slaves. • Women and men could get divorced if they wanted. • Women often did not take part in official roles in the administration, they usually served secondary parts and were usually not as educated as men.

6. Social status pyramid

7. Jokes • Q: Why did the mummy call the doctor? A: Because he was coffin. • Q: What do you get if you cross a mummy with a CD? A: A wrap song. • Q: Why didn't the Mummy go to the Fancy Dress Party? • A: He didn't have the guts.

8. Sites • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt • http://kids.summum.us/mummybear/jokes/?page=2 • http://kids.summum.us/mummybear/jokes/?page=1