Notes

The structure of the ancient Egyptian system of government was ranking from most important people with many jobs to giving less important people not as important jobs. At the top were the gods, such as Ra, Osiris, and Isis. Egyptians believed that the gods controlled the universe. Therefore, it was important to keep them happy. Their leaders, called pharaohs, were believed to be gods in human form. They had absolute power over their subjects.Protection was at the top of the list. The pharaoh directed the army in case of a foreign threat or an internal conflict. All laws were enacted5 at the discretion6 of the pharaoh. Each farmer paid taxes in the form of grains, which were stored in the pharaoh’s warehouses. This grain was used to feed the people in the event of a famine. The pharaoh appointed a chief minister called a vizier7 as a supervisor. The vizier ensured that taxes were collected. Right below the pharaoh in status were powerful nobles and priests. Only nobles could hold government posts; in these positions they profited from tributes8 paid to the pharaoh. Priests were responsible for pleasing the gods. Skilled workers such as physicians and craftsmen/women made up the middle class. Craftsmen made and sold jewelry, pottery, papyrus11 products, tools, and other useful things. At the bottom of the social structure were slaves and farmers. Slavery became the fate of those captured as prisoners of war. In addition to being forced to work on building projects, slaves toiled at the discretion of the pharaoh or nobles.