a pyramid outline showing the positions of social classes according to their status in a society

a group in society that is ranked by factors such as wealth, property and rights

importance

of high birth or rank

Ruler of egypt, believed to be a god, at the top of the social pyramid, they lived a lavish lifestyle

The social ladder was very rigid. Most people belonged to the same social class as their parents. There was very little chance of moving up.

More rights than any ancient civilization, could own property, run a business and could ask for a divorce. They wore perfume, eyeliner and lipstick to formal events.

Belonged to the second highest social class. Lived lives of luxury, throwing massive banquets and parties. Entertainment included dancers, musicians and acrobats.

Second in command to the pharaoh. He appointed and supervised other government officials. He also served as the chief judge. They were expected to be neutral.

oversaw the governments wealth and collected taxes (grain, cloth, etc.)

after the pharaoh he was the top military commander, advised the pharaoh on how to protect Egypt, and make treaties with neighboring countries.

handled common concerns and requests, gave advice, and preformed healing. had a special role in the burial ceremonies.

home to a god or gods

women priests who oversaw the temples of gods of music and dance

adviser of the pharaoh and oversaw all religious ceremonies.

the process of preventing a body from decaying. the organs were removed, the brain was removed, the body was washed in oils, dried,wrapped in linen and finally given protective amulets.

A belief that human life continues after death.

Egypt's official record keepers. Highly respected and well paid. They had to go to school for twelve years, learning hieroglyphics and writing them. Scribes could have a variety of jobs (census keeper, writing down the amount of grain harvested, calculating taxes, recording court cases, recording the provisions and number of people killed in the army).

An ancient Egyptian writing system in which pictures were used to represent ideas and sounds.

a highly skilled laborer who received little to no respect from nobles

carpenters, jewelers, leatherworkers, metalworkers, painters, potters etc.

stone carvers

the most skilled artisan. played a huge role in tomb building. they also made artwork to decorate the walls of the tomb.

they lived in modest homes. they worked side by side in workshops.they often went hungry. they were called on by the pharaoh to construct his monuments and other projects. they were rarely allowed to sign their work.

common laborer

they often worked for farmers, and helped gather the crops and maintained the fields.

they lived in plain houses. they ate lentils and grains and they never ate meat. they spent most of their time working, and even children and women helped out.

Large curved knife with a handle used to cut grass or tall grains

a festival celebrated when the Nile flooded. It brought people from all social classes together to celebrate the the patron god of the pharaoh, Amon-Re. A boat was ridden down the Nile during the festival.

a game played by men in which they rode papyrus rafts and tried to knock the others off