EGYPTIAN SOCIAL ORGANIZATION: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - HISTORY - 2024

The social organization of Egypt and its hierarchical structure unfolded in the form of a pyramid. In the first tier were the pharaoh and the royal family, and at the bottom were the artisans, farmers and slaves. The social group that had links with the high hierarchy was the one that enjoyed social status and access to economic powers.

However, only a minority of farmers and cultivators managed to emerge economically if they managed to allocate funds for the education of their children in schools, which were run by clergymen, farmers and artisans. Students who were able to read and write could become scribes, and thus be able to obtain a position in the government.

The administrative system of the Egyptians was excellent, it was qualified and authorized by the pharaoh, who was the absolute authority since the citizens professed that the pharaohs were gods.

According to their beliefs, it was these deities who authorized and delegated responsibilities in various government positions.

Ancient Egyptian royal families and aristocrats lived in luxury and wealth. This upper class leaned toward art and literature, which represented social distinction, while farmers and slaves resisted famine.

Egyptian society was structured in 9 social classes: the pharaoh, the vizier, the nobles, the priests, the soldiers, the scribes, the artisans, the peasants and the slaves.

The 9 classes of the social structure of Egypt

1- the pharaoh

It was believed that he was a supreme god incarnate in human who had powers to dominate the Universe, so it was essential to satisfy all his needs to ensure his well-being.

Pharaoh's wife should always be by his side. When a pharaoh died, he was buried in the pyramids whose purpose was to house the remains of royalty.

The pharaoh was committed to creating and implementing the laws, ensuring that the country was not invaded and raided by enemies.

In this way he maintained the happiness of all the gods and did not provoke their anger, manifested in the damage caused by the floods of the Nile River, which damaged crops and fertile lands.

The Egyptian nobility promoted state control, agricultural resources, land work, and crops, which were fundamental to the stability and progress of ancient Egypt.

2- The viziers

They were the right hand of the pharaoh, led the administration and advised the affairs of the kingdom.

They handled confidential documents and were in charge of the food supply, problem solving, management and defense of the royal family.

The viziers collected taxes in conjunction with state officials. They organized crop improvement and construction projects together with the accused commission, and even helped create a justice system to provide security and conciliation between the towns.

They were also responsible for collecting and storing the nation's treasure in a system of granaries. The economy was intervened by the pharaohs. The ancient Egyptians did not have currency, but bartered with sacks of grain.

3- The nobles

The nobles belonged to the pharaoh's family and to other families that had acquired favor from the pharaoh, in addition to having received privilege with treasures and lands.

They lived peacefully in the provinces they ruled, as they were landowners and high government officials.

They had power and only they were worthy to work in the government. The nobles were positioned below the hierarchy of the pharaoh, they were in charge of maintaining the laws and generating social order in their provinces.

4- The priests

The function of the priests was based on generating happiness for the gods and meeting their demands. They were the only ones allowed to lead and run religious cults.

The clergy of Egypt were recognized for their good name and the power they had in the spiritual and on the earthly.

That is, they had great influence in politics and economics since they were responsible for the administration of the wealth of the temples of ancient Egypt.

The priests were those who recorded and kept the spiritual and earthly knowledge of the Empire from the beginning of civilization, as well as all the wisdom corresponding to its many deities.

5- The soldiers

They had the responsibility of guarding and protecting Egypt, as well as expanding its territory, defending territorial limits and maritime transactions, preserving peace, among other functions. They were also in charge of supervising farmers and slaves on construction sites.

The second sons of the pharaohs chose to serve the country and defend it. As part of the payment they were granted the benefit of being able to acquire a part of the wealth confiscated from the enemies; they also gave them land.

6- The scribes

This guild was the only one who had the fortune to know how to read and write. The scribes used to wear white linen garments and were in charge of keeping the economic balances of agricultural production.

They also received and accounted for the many gifts from the kingdom's soldiers and workers.

Scribes generally belonged to wealthy, powerful, and government-favored families, so they could receive education from an early age.

They were dedicated to the administration of the wealth of the pharaonic state: they documented and accounted for through written records the activities that were carried out throughout the Empire.

Most of the information that is known today about ancient Egypt is thanks to them.

7- The artisans

The artisans belonged to the state and worked in warehouses and temples. Painters added color and shine to the walls, and decorated the columns with stories and customs from Egypt.

The pharaohs displayed their victories through reliefs, keeping a record of the wars they won. Painters also made murals with royal decrees.

These ancient craftsmen used stone to carve statues that could measure up to 20 meters, and jewelers were in charge of designing the crowns of the pharaohs. The priests forced the sculptors to model religious images.

The tailors were in charge of making the costumes of the pharaoh, his wife and the rest of the royalty for events and rituals.

There were also weavers, who worked with leather, as well as shoemakers and potters. All these artists were paid from the state treasury.

8- The peasants

This group of individuals made up a large part of the population and were in charge of cultivating the Pharaoh's lands.

The abundant crops were the property of the pharaonic state and their families. In addition, farmers had to pay a labor tax to perform in irrigation and construction projects.

The peasants were paid for their work of planting, harvesting and storing with a small amount of the proceeds of the harvest, which represented very little to live on. They used to live in small very precarious houses and their clothing was simple.

9- slaves

The slaves were prisoners kidnapped in battles in which their peoples were defeated by Pharaoh, so they were at the absolute disposal of the Pharaonic state. In some cases they were sold.

The work of the slaves consisted of the construction of the funeral buildings, of the pyramids, the work in the quarries and mines, and the construction of monuments dedicated to the gods. Slaves were also assigned to embalm and mummify.

They lacked any kind of rights and were forced to do heavy work. In addition to having men on duty, there were also women and children in service.

References

1. History of Ancient Egypt: Social Organization. Source: culturamundial.com
2. Dr. Seuss. Egyptian Social Structure. Source: ushistory.org
3. J. Hill. Ancient Egyptian Society. (2008). Source: ancientegyptonline.co.uk
4. The Egyptian Society. Source: classhistory.com
5. The Egyptians Society. (2016). Source: historyonthenet.com