EGYPTIAN SOCIETY-
Social class

The top of the pyramid were pharaoh and others such as ra, Osiris and Isis. The Egyptians thought highly of some people and they were called Pharaohs. The Pharaohs were considered to be gods In human form. They had control over all of Egypt. Pharaoh also directed the army and made laws. He required farmers to pay taxes in grain incase there was a famine. The commanders or chief ministers were appointed by Pharaoh to help him manage everything. The chief minister appointed was called a vizier. The vizier made sure taxes were collected. There were also Scribes who helped out pharaoh. They had a special talent that not many in that era had-the ability to read and write. They helped to keep government records.

Priests and nobles were below pharaoh and his helpers. The main roles for the priests were to hold the government posts. They were also responsible for pleasing the gods And making them happy. They benefited from the donations made to the gods and were actually quite wealthy people.

The skilled workers were below the nobles. They were known as the middle class. They were responsible for making and selling things such as Jewelry, papyrus products-forms of writing, tools, and pottery. Some were even responsible for the construction of palaces and pyramids.

Farmers were part of the lower class and were responsible for raising crops and animals, and for keeping reservoirs and canals. Since farmers taxes were paid in grain, some had to give up nearly 60% of their crops to pharaoh.

Slaves were the lowest class. Many were prisoners of war. Sometimes slaves could do more work and save money to send their sons to village schools in hope that they could become a scribe or work for the government.