Workshop: Egypt Social Structure

True or False Write the numbers 1 – 10 in your books 1. The Pharaoh was the head of Ancient Egyptian society 2. People believed the Pharaoh to be a God on Earth 3. The vizier was the Pharaoh's chief advisor 4. Soldiers were more important than nobles 5. A soldier’s spear was called a pike 6. Priests were in charge of teaching people their trade 7. Scribes were able to read and write 8. Farmers were more important than soldiers 9. Craftsmen were skilled workers 10. Slaves had to be born in Egypt to work as a slave

Modern Day Social Hierarchy In modern Australia, we have a hierarchy in which we rely on for society to function. For example: Queen of England Prime Minister State Premiers Council Mayor Law Enforcers Civilians

CESC Hierarchy Complete in your book Using the list below, rank the roles and responsibilities in which CESC rely on from 1 – 9 (you may decide to make some even) Teachers, teaching aids, Mr Gurr, canteen staff, office staff, Mr Wiggs, maintenance staff, house leaders, students

Ancient Egypt Social Hierarchy

Ancient Egypt Social Hierarchy In ancient Egypt, the social order was hierarchical. (meaning people were ranked higher in importance than others) This means that beneath the Pharaoh, there were clear divisions between rich and poor people. When boys went to work, they usually did the jobs their fathers had done, learning the skills involved from their fathers – a bit like apprentices learn trades today. Education was the key to improving social rank, which is why scribes had so much prestige in ancient Egypt.

Egyptian Society Members Vizer Priests Nobles Pharaoh Scribes Not in order – keep going with PP to find out more about each position Slaves Craftsmen Farmers Soldiers

Pharaoh I was in charge of all things in Egypt. My main duty is to keep life in balance on Earth and beyond. I need lots of officials to help me do this.

Vizer I’m the Pharaoh’s second in command. I give him lots of advice. I supervise the other officials and judge law breakers.

Priests I perform rituals like cleaning the statues of our Gods and on special days I take the statues out to show the people. I help the Pharaoh look after and respect the Gods.

Nobles I rule my own area of Egypt. I am responsible for making local laws and keeping law in order in my region.

Soldiers I am very skilled using a pike (you’d call it a spear) I am in an army of about 5000 men. When I’m not at war I help supervise building projects

Scribes I am one of the very few who can read and write. I record the Pharaoh’s orders and help the Vizer keep tax records.

Craftsmen I’m middle class (not at the top, but not at the bottom) I learnt my trade from my father and most of my friends do a similar job. I wish I was educated so I could be a scribe.

Farmers Except for slaves we are at the bottom of the heap. I grow wheat, barley and the flax used to make linen. I work very hard digging canals for irrigation and preparing the soil.

Slaves I was born in another country and I am a prisoner of war. My master uses me to work in the fields some of my friends work in the palace.

True or False ANSWERS – HOW DID YOU GO? 1. The Pharaoh was the head of Ancient Egyptian society TRUE 2. People believed the Pharaoh to be a God on Earth TRUE 3. The vizier was the Pharaoh's chief advisor TRUE 4. Soldiers were more important than nobles FALSE 5. A soldier’s spear was called a pike TRUE 6. Priests were in charge of teaching people their trade FALSE 7. Scribes were able to read and write TRUE 8. Farmers were more important than soldiers FALSE 9. Craftsmen were skilled workers TRUE 10. Slaves had to be born in Egypt to work as a slave FALSE