2. Introduction
The same way the Sumerians
organized their society into
different social classes, the
Egyptians’ social structure
was arranged in the same
way.
A small group (nobles) ruled
Egypt.
A bigger group provided
food, crafts and labor.
3. Early Egyptian Society
The Old
Kingdom began
when the Third
Dynasty rose to
power around
2700 BC. It
lasted for 500
years.
Pyramid of Djoser.- This first Egyptian pyramid consisted
of six mastabas (of decreasing size) built atop one another.
2600 BC.
4. Pharaohs
The Pharaohs were believed to be
descendants of the sun god, Ra, making
them half gods and kings.
Because of this, the Egyptians believed
that the gods owned Egypt and the
Pharaoh was the “manager”. Therefore,
the Pharaoh had absolute power!
But, Pharaohs were also blamed if bad
things happened. They were also
demanded that trade be profitable and
wars be prevented.
5. Khufu
The most famous pharaoh of
the Old Kingdom was Khufu
(Kheops).
Some people say he was a
good ruler, while other
historians like Herodotus,
labeled him a cruel tyrant.
He is responsible for many
monuments, including the
Great Pyramid of Giza (2500
BC).
6. Social Structure
By 2200 BC, Egypt had 2 million people.
There were three different social classes:
Nobles: People from rich families.
Middle class: Gov. officials, scribes, craftsmen, soldiers.
Lower class: farmers and slaves (80% of the complete population)
7. Egypt and its Neighbors
Egypt was well protected by its
geography, but not completely
isolated.
Sumerian designs can be found
in Egyptian art.
Style from Nubia (south of Egypt)
are also found.
Trade with their neighbors
allowed them to import different
items:
Nubia: gold, ivory, slaves and
stone.
Punt: incense and myrrh.
Syria: wood.
8. Ask Yourself
Recall:
For how long did the Old Kingdom last?
Drawing conclusions:
What responsibilities did the pharaoh have that
balanced his high status?
Make Judgments:
What may be some advantages and disadvantages for
such a large segment of the population being farmers,
servants and slaves?
9. Art Workshop!
Imagine you have been asked by the government of
Egypt to design stamps to commemorate the 4700th
anniversary of the Old Kingdom’s beginning. Choose
one of the subjects studied in class and draw a stamp!
Afterwards, write a short summary (one paragraph) of
the topic you illustrated.
