Ancient Egyptian Social Structure
- The pharaoh was at the top of society because of his status as both king and god
- The upper class under the king included priests and important government officials
- Another group of people in the upper class were nobles
- The middle class included lower government officials, scribes, and some richer craftspeople
- The lower class included mostly farmers
- More than 80% of Egypt's population made up this lower class
- Scribes were the most respected people after the hierarchy and wrote financial accounts and copied religious texts
- Artisans, Architects, and Artists craftspeople with advanced skills
- Merchants and traders made up a small portion of society but they traveled long distances to do trade
- Soldiers were part of professional army and were allowed to keep any treasure found in battle
- Farmers and peasants payed taxes to the pharaoh with crops and were required to do "special duties' for the pharaoh
- Slaves were convicted criminals who had some rights and could earn their freedom