2. How Do We Know?
Based on paintings that cover the
walls of tombs
Paintings show royal and ordinary
people’s lives
Written records give us information
3. Social Classes
Pharaoh
Priests, Pharaoh’s
Court, Nobles with Large
Estates
Middleclass –
Merchants, Skilled
Workers
Peasants – Largest
Class (Mostly Farmers
or Builders)
4. Social Classes
Citizens could rise
through service of
the pharaoh
Prisoners of war
became slaves
Had rights
Owned items
Inherit land from
masters
Could be set free
5. Peasants
Most worked land of
wealthier people
Worked on roads and
buildings during flood
season
After flood – plant fields
Harvest – busiest season
Men, women, & children
worked in harvest
After harvest – villages
feasted
Offered thanks to gods
6. Women
Active Role Could travel freely
Had most rights men Could influence
had pharaoh
Own property
Regents
Run businesses
Enter legal contracts
7. Bell Ringer 11/28
If you could be a member of
any social class except
pharaoh, who would you
choose to be and why?
