Jobs in Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, people had various jobs and occupations that helped to support their society and meet its needs. From farming the fertile lands of the Nile River to serving in temples and creating beautiful artworks, each job played an important role in the functioning of ancient Egyptian civilization. Let's explore some of the different jobs in ancient Egypt.

Farmers

The majority of ancient Egyptians were farmers who worked in agriculture. They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, flax, and vegetables. Farmers relied on the annual flooding of the Nile River, which enriched the soil and provided water for irrigation. They used simple tools like wooden plows to till the fields and worked hard to ensure an abundant harvest.

Craftsmen

Ancient Egypt was known for its skilled craftsmen who created a wide range of objects and artifacts. Craftsmen included carpenters, stonemasons, weavers, potters, and jewelers. They used their expertise to produce items like furniture, statues, pottery, textiles, and intricate jewelry. Craftsmen played a vital role in creating the beautiful and intricate artworks that we admire today.

Priests and Priestesses

Religion played a significant role in ancient Egyptian society, and priests and priestesses held important positions. They served in temples, performed rituals, and cared for the gods and goddesses. Their responsibilities included conducting ceremonies, maintaining the temple grounds, and offering prayers and sacrifices to ensure the favor of the deities.

Scribes

Scribes were highly educated individuals who could read and write hieroglyphs, the ancient Egyptian writing system. They served as record-keepers, writing documents, recording events, and managing administrative tasks. Scribes were essential in maintaining the bureaucracy of ancient Egypt, and their skills were highly valued.

This group model of ancient Egyptian soldiers was found in the tomb of Mesehti, a local governor of Asyut at the end of the First Intermediate Period and the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. 

Soldiers

Soldiers were trained to protect Egypt from external threats and maintain order within the kingdom. They served in the army and fought in battles to defend Egypt's borders. The soldiers were equipped with weapons like bows, spears, and shields. Military service was seen as a prestigious role in ancient Egyptian society.

Merchants & Traders

Egypt's strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe made it a hub for trade. Merchants and traders played a crucial role in the economy by conducting business transactions, transporting goods along the Nile River, and engaging in long-distance trade with neighboring regions.

Doctors

In ancient Egypt, doctors were highly respected individuals who had extensive knowledge about the human body and how to treat illnesses and injuries. They used natural remedies and herbs to heal their patients. Doctors played a crucial role in the society, helping people stay healthy and providing medical care. They were skilled in diagnosing ailments and prescribing appropriate treatments. Ancient Egyptian doctors were considered essential for the well-being of the community, and their expertise helped people lead healthier lives.

Ancient Egyptian society relied on a diverse range of jobs and occupations to function and thrive. From farmers to craftsmen, priests to scribes, soldiers to merchants, each job had its unique contribution to the civilization. The people of ancient Egypt recognized the importance of their work and collaborated to build a prosperous and fascinating society.

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us