Key Words You Will Learn On This Page:
- Normarchs: People responsible for day-to-day government in each of Egypt's main regions
- Nomes: The regions that Ancient Egypt was divided into to make government easier
Everyday Life: Scenario One
As the Pharaoh of Egypt you are the most important person in the entire kingdom! But it is impossible for you to do everything that makes a society run smoothly. After all, there is only one Pharaoh and millions of people to be cared for! Consequently, you need to create a social structure with various jobs to not only keep the people busy, but also ensure that your kingdom does not fall apart.
Take a look at this pyramid diagram that shows the main social divisions in Ancient Egyptian society before you delve deeper to see the jobs undertaken by your people.
Take a look at this pyramid diagram that shows the main social divisions in Ancient Egyptian society before you delve deeper to see the jobs undertaken by your people.
You appoint a vizor to act as chief judge and to take overall charge of all the government's work throughout the kingdom. You also appoint nomarchs (governors) to take on this responsibility in each of Egypt's nomes. You appoint officials to maintain law and order, record all of the decisions you make as Pharaoh and to collect taxes. Priests and priestesses oversee the religious practices throughout Egypt . But you still have jobs to do! As Pharaoh, you get to control the army.
Did you know?
The Pharaoh Cleopatra lowered the taxes that the farmers had to pay as she hoped that many would work harder to produce more grain in gratitude. This made her very popular amongst the people!
Even though the merchants and farmers were towards the bottom of Egypt's social pyramid, they were still very important in society. As a result, when these two groups of people come to you and begin to demand rewards for their hard work, as Pharaoh you must decide which group deserves it more. You must make a choice! Who will you reward?
Did you know?
The Pharaoh Cleopatra lowered the taxes that the farmers had to pay as she hoped that many would work harder to produce more grain in gratitude. This made her very popular amongst the people!
Even though the merchants and farmers were towards the bottom of Egypt's social pyramid, they were still very important in society. As a result, when these two groups of people come to you and begin to demand rewards for their hard work, as Pharaoh you must decide which group deserves it more. You must make a choice! Who will you reward?