Social Groups

The highest social groups, at the top of the hierarchy were the most powerful and the wealthiest. However, as it neared the bottom, the groups involved more of the people that are poor and the ones that had less power than the ones at the top.

At the top of the hierarchy was the Egyptian Pharaoh, he/ she had access to all rights and freedoms. However, even though being an Egyptian Pharaoh was the most respectful and powerful position in the time of this magnificent civilisation, it came with a variety of responsibilities that the Pharaoh must be able to complete and follow. These responsibilities impacted the whole civilisation whether in a good way or in a bad way. Some of these responsibilities and roles included:

• The Pharaoh was the commander and head of the army, which meant he had the power to ensure order in the land and to protect the people from foreign invaders.

• To follow all the set rules for an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh. Also, the Pharaoh had to attend all matters and to listen to his/her people.

There were many more responsibilities for this position.

The second most powerful person in the hierarchy was the vizier. The vizier served the king. It was he who was asked for advice when necessary and it was he who made sure that the governors were doing their jobs well and that the country was running smoothly. The vizier was responsible for the advice that he gave to the king, for the actions of the king all depended on his advice. He had to ensure that everything was running smoothly, which was another responsibility. This particular person had the right to speak to the king and had a high access to freedom. For after all, he was the most trusted person a Pharaoh had.

High priests and nobles were next in this social hierarchy, the high priests needed to attend to all the gods’ needs and wants and had to take care of them as well. The nobles were related to the Pharaoh and were overseers of the lands that the peasants worked on. They were powerful and made sure that each person was doing what they were supposed to do and were paying their taxes.

The officials assisted the pharaoh directly.

Scribes.

Slaves.

Farmers.