1 Egyptian Society CHW3M

2 Social Organization Similar to MesopotamiaPharoah (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 classPriests 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 CraftspeopleWeavers, 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 IlliterateReceived 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 WarWomen 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 familyCousins, uncles/nieces, sometimes brother/sister but not common No ceremony, just a contract Polygamy was legal but not common

8 The Importance of AppearancePersonal 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, butterFish, duck, geese For the wealthy: Beef, antelope, gazelle Grape, date, palm wine

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