essays

ESSAY A: Describe the social hierarchy of the ancient Egyptians

       The hierarchy of the ancient Egyptians was like the list of the most powerful groups. First, at the top, was the Pharaoh. The pharaoh was the religious and political leader. He had two titles known as "Lord of Two lands" and "High Priest of every temple". The Pharaoh owned all the land, made laws and collected laws. Then below the pharaoh is the government officials. The government officials consist of the nobles, and the high priests. They assisted the pharaoh and were very respected in ancient Egypt. They were known as the "White Kilt Class." Then below the government officials we have the soldiers. The soldiers protected the Pharaoh and his kingdom/palace. They had wooden weapons, bows and arrows, and they got to ride in carriages.
       Then below the soldiers we have the middle class groups. The middle class is the scribes, merchants, and the artisans. The scribes told stories, wrote poetry, kept records, and describes anatomy and medical treatment. The merchants used the money/barter system, and there payment was bags of grain. The artisans were the people who carved statues and reliefs. They all had different jobs like craftsmen and sculptors. There were some artisans that painted scenes in everyday life. Then we have the lower class which is the farmers and the slaves. The farmers raised wheat, barley, lentils, onions, and benefited from the irrigation of the Nile River. Last, but not least we have the slaves. The slaves helped the wealthy with whatever they needed. They usually helped with the household and child raising duties. That is the hierarchy of ancient Egypt.

ESSAY B:  Discuss the importance of the Nile River in the lives of Egyptians.

      The Nile River was very important in Egypt. The Egyptians life is basically centered around it. The Nile was there major provider for life for the Egyptians. The Nile was used for bathing, transportation, irrigating and it was drinking water. Every July the Nile floods, and every October it leaves rich soil. It was tough when it flooded because it would take away all there crops, but they would plan ahead and not plant in July. They would plant after October because of the soil. It helped them plant there crops much better. The Egyptians also built sailboats and the Nile was the way to increase transport ability. The Egyptians would also go on the sailboats and hunt for fish. The river also protected Egypt because by the time people would start swimming they would immediately get tired. The Egyptians would just stand at the shore and throw spears at there enemies. The Nile was a very important part in the lives of the Egyptians.