Ancient Egypt was ruled by pharaohs who served as both political and religious leaders. They collected taxes, performed rituals, and oversaw construction projects. The country was divided into provinces governed by officials. In around 2400 BC, these governors grew too powerful and overthrew the pharaohs' authority, establishing their own armies and taxes. The Old Kingdom collapsed around 2150 BC after several years of low flooding caused food shortages. Egyptian society was strictly hierarchical, with slaves on bottom and pharaoh on top.

1. Ancient
By Chloe Allen
Egypt

2. Government/ pharaohs
Ancient Egypt was ruled by a
group of ministers responsible
to the king. They helped him
make good decisions and keep
fit and healthy.
Chief minister/ vizier was
responsible for administration,
justice and taxation. Egypt was
divided into provinces each
ruled by a government group.

3. Over taking of the governors
In 2400 BC the governors became extremely powerful and
over took the pharaohs of Egypt. The governors built their
own armies and raised taxes for themselves instead of
pharaohs. The old kingdom was finally brought down when
the Nile river flooded. In 2150 BC there were several years
of low flooding causing reduced amount of food, which
destroyed the power of the kingdom.

4. Hierarchy
Hierarchy is a form of
government. Slaves were on the
bottom, farmers, soldiers and
free people were above them.
Scribes, priests and nobles
were on the fourth level and
the pharaoh on top. This was a
way to keep the government
organized.

5. Pharaohs
Pharaohs were the political and religious leaders of Egypt, which meant they
made laws and collected taxes. Taxes was where people would give the
pharaoh a little of their belongings. Mostly they would give the pharaoh grain or
livestock. The pharaoh was also the high priest of every temple, because he
was also a religious leader. As the high priest, the pharaoh had to perform
rituals and supervise the construction of new temples.
Pharaohs were thought of as a human form of Horus, one of the most
important Ancient Egyptian gods. In the tombs of pharaohs tombs they were
usually shown carrying things or holding things that showed their power.
Because women were not valued as much as men, they rarely ruled by
themselves.
There was an important and effective system of training the prince to become
pharaoh. He had to train to be an amazing sportsman, and a winning war
leader.
Pepy the second was on the throne more than any other pharaoh. He
started ruling at the age of six, and 94 years later was still ruling Egypt, at the
age of 100 years old!
Pharaohs had lots of assistance with ruling Egypt, family members,
governors and more people! Pharaohs also had their own army and police
force.