1. Egyptian Society
CHW3M

2. Social Organization Similar to Mesopotamia
Pharoah (who for most of Egypt’s history is viewed as a living god) is at the top of the social order
Owns all lands
Military leader
High priest
The Nobility and Military leaders are next
Important positions are usually hereditary

3. Social Organization Priests and Scribes Educated class
Priests perform key religious functions
Scribes read/write, therefore they also collect taxes, organize army rations, keep records, and act as teachers
Most government administrators, military leaders, and high priests were once scribes

4. Social Organization Craftspeople
Weavers, potters, stonemasons, brick-makers, carpenters, metal-workers, etc.
Important for constructing buildings/monuments, as well as clothing and equipping Egyptians
Also produced goods for trade

5. Social Organization Peasants Most of population Farmers Illiterate
Received only subsistence wages, and owed corvee duties (provide labour building tombs, temples, irrigation, etc.)
Avoiding duties would result in permanent service

6. Social Organization Slaves Prisoners of War
Women and children did household work
Men worked as soldiers, labourers, or farmers
Were allowed to own property
Could be set free

7. Marriage Often between members of the same family
Cousins, uncles/nieces, sometimes brother/sister but not common
No ceremony, just a contract
Polygamy was legal but not common

8. The Importance of Appearance
Personal grooming was important to all classes of Egyptians
People washed at least twice a day, and many wore perfumed wigs
Cosmetics were widely used by both men and women, and both used perfume

9. Food Bread and beer Fruits and vegetables Milk, cheese, butter
Fish, duck, geese
For the wealthy:
Beef, antelope, gazelle
Grape, date, palm wine

14. Assignment
Draw a representation of a typical scene of daily life for an Egyptian…
Priest
Scribe
Craftsperson
Peasant
Slave