Ancient Egypt Social Pyramid

Government Officials Vizier served as chief judge Chief treasurer collected taxes (goods rather than money) General of armies advised the pharaoh on war Government officials lived a life of luxury

Priests Priests followed many rules such as bathing many times a day Priests had different jobs such as advising the pharaoh and supervising ceremonies Priests supervised the important burial rituals including embalming dead bodies Women could be priestesses and were considered equal to men

Scribes Becoming a scribe was one way men could rise in social class Scribe school 12 yrs or more Life in scribe school difficult Scribes used reed pens, papyrus paper, writing tablets and ink wells

Artisans Artisans were carpenters, jewelers, leather and metal workers, painters, sculptors, potters, weavers Sometimes difficult work Artisans led simple lives Artisans rarely received recognition for work

Peasants Peasant life revolved around 3 seasons: flooding, planting and harvest Peasants often sang songs in fields Peasants life very simple During harvest, could keep some grain, but could also be beaten for poor harvest