Sub question 5: WHAT were the roles of different classes in ancient Egyptian society?:
Ancient Egyptian society was organized into a hierarchical structure with different classes having distinct roles and responsibilities:
1. Pharaohs and the Royal Family: The pharaohs were the rulers of ancient Egypt and held absolute power. They were considered divine and were responsible for maintaining order and prosperity in the country. The royal family consisted of the pharaoh's immediate family and other close relatives who were responsible for managing the affairs of the court.
2. Priests and Priestesses: The priests and priestesses were responsible for maintaining the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians. They were also responsible for performing rituals and ceremonies that were believed to maintain the cosmic order and ensure the prosperity of the kingdom.
3. Nobles and Officials: The nobles and officials were responsible for the administration of the country. They held important positions in the government and were responsible for collecting taxes, managing the affairs of their estates, and supervising the laborers and workers.
4. Middle Class: The middle class consisted of skilled craftsmen, traders, and merchants. They were responsible for producing and trading goods that were necessary for the well-being of the country. They were also responsible for managing their own businesses and ensuring the prosperity of their families.
5. Peasants and Laborers: The peasants and laborers were the largest and most important class in ancient Egypt. They were responsible for providing the food and goods necessary for the country's survival. They worked as farmers, laborers, and artisans, and their hard work ensured the prosperity of the entire kingdom.
In ancient Egyptian society, different classes had specific roles and responsibilities. Here are the roles of some of the key classes:
1. Pharaoh: The Pharaoh was the ultimate ruler of Egypt and held immense power. They were considered divine and were responsible for maintaining order and leading religious ceremonies. The Pharaoh was also responsible for overseeing the construction of monumental structures, managing the army, and ensuring the prosperity of the people.
2. Nobles: The nobles were a wealthy and influential class in ancient Egypt. They served as advisors to the Pharaoh and held high-ranking positions in the government, administration, and military. They often owned vast estates and managed agricultural production. The nobles were responsible for overseeing their estates, managing the workforce, and collecting taxes.
3. Priests: The priests were essential figures in ancient Egyptian society. They performed religious rituals and ceremonies in temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. They were responsible for maintaining the temples, preserving religious texts, and performing daily offerings to appease the gods. Priests also played a role in education, as they were responsible for initiating young boys into religious practices and teachings.
4. Scribes: Scribes were highly educated individuals who held important administrative positions. They were literate and skilled in writing and record-keeping. Scribes were responsible for documenting legal transactions, keeping official records, calculating taxes, and managing accounts. Their skills were also employed in documenting historical events and composing literature.
5. Artisans: Artisans were skilled craftsmen and women who created various objects for daily use, religious rituals, and burial purposes. They worked in a wide range of crafts, including pottery, metalworking, jewelry making, and the creation of textiles and artwork. Artisans were highly valued in society as their products were in high demand and often traded within Egypt and beyond.
6. Farmers: The majority of the population in ancient Egypt were farmers. They worked the land, cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and flax. Farmers were responsible for ensuring a stable food supply for the entire society. They worked in the fields during the agricultural seasons, utilizing the Nile's annual flooding to irrigate the crops. In addition to their agricultural duties, farmers were also required to fulfill corvée labor obligations for the state.
It's important to note that these roles and their influence varied over time, and there were overlapping responsibilities between classes. Additionally, slaves and servants formed another class in ancient Egypt, but they had limited rights and were usually owned by individuals or institutions.