Ancient Egyptian Economy

Temples role in the economy Temples were for more than worship This is where the nations wealth was gathered and redistributed.

Money? They did not use coins until late in their history Instead they traded with grain & a weight unit called the deben (about 3oz) of copper or silver Workers were paid in grain

Payment Simple workers were paid monthly- maybe 5 ½ sacks of grain (400lbs) Foreman might earn 7 ½ sacks monthly – (550lbs) Prices were the same throughout the county and were recorded in lists to make trading easier.

Examples of prices A shirt… 5 copper deben A cow… 140 deben Grain could be traded for other goods according to the price on the list

Introduction of money Around the 400s BC money was introduced and began being used. Trade with other countries was made easier.

How were temples involved in the economy? A quiz! How were temples involved in the economy? They served as the collection, storage, & distribution center of wealth & grain.

2. What weight unit was used in trade? Quiz 2. What weight unit was used in trade? Deben (about 3 oz of copper weight)

Quiz 3. How were workers paid? In sacks of grain

4. How much did each sack of grain weigh? Quiz 4. How much did each sack of grain weigh? About 73 lbs workers(400/5.5=72.7) foreman (550/7.5=73.3)

5. About how many ounces of copper would a cow cost? Quiz 5. About how many ounces of copper would a cow cost? 420 oz. 1 deben=3oz 1 cow=140 deben 140x3=420oz.