Pharaohs and Social Structure of Ancient Egypt

Pharaoh

Supreme ruler and divine representative in Egypt.

Menes

Unified Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 BCE.

Memphis

Capital city established by Menes.

Old Kingdom

Period of growth and pyramid construction, 2650-2134 BCE.

Middle Kingdom

Turbulent era with local noble power struggles.

New Kingdom

Strong military expansion and territorial conquests.

Hyksos

Invaders who conquered Egypt in 1650 BCE.

Social Hierarchy

Structured class system with Pharaoh at the top.

Vizier

Executive head of bureaucracy, second to Pharaoh.

High Priests

Religious leaders overseeing temple activities.

District Governors

42 officials executing Pharaoh's orders locally.

Scribes

Educated record-keepers enforcing laws and orders.

Artisans

Skilled workers creating goods for trade.

Farmers

Lower class relying on Nile's fertile soil.

Domestic Slaves

Egyptians treated better, could gain freedom.

Foreign Slaves

Captured individuals sold by merchants.

Exodus

Departure of Hebrews from Egypt led by Moses.

Rameses II

Pharaoh known for many wives and children.

Hatshepsut

Notable female Pharaoh before Graeco-Roman period.

Royal Commands

Orders transmitted through the vizier to scribes.

Symbols of Power

Objects representing authority and divine connection.

Shepherd's Scepter

Political symbol representing Pharaoh's authority.

Khepresh

Blue crown worn by Pharaohs in battle.

Nekhbet

Goddess of protection for ancient Egypt.

Social Stratification

Rigid class barriers in ancient Egyptian society.

Taxation

System of collecting revenue for government needs.

Temples

Constructed for worship and government functions.

Fortresses

Built along Nile for protection against invasions.

Trade

Economic exchange with Mediterranean neighbors.

Labor Organization

Systematic arrangement of workforce for projects.

Ma'at

Goddess symbolizing universal equilibrium in Egypt.

Succession

Passing throne to the eldest son of Principal Queen.

Tuthmosis III

Military Pharaoh known for numerous victories.

Akenaton

Pharaoh who attempted to introduce monotheism.

Djoser

Pharaoh known for the step pyramid design.

Ramses II

Pharaoh with the second longest reign, 67 years.

Khufu

Builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Tutankhamen

Young Pharaoh restored old beliefs after Akenaton.

Warfare

Military engagements to maintain sovereignty and expand.

Obelisk

Tall, four-sided monument often commemorating Pharaohs.

Deir el-Bahari

Temple built by Hatshepsut, known as Monastery of the Sea.

Akhetaton

City built by Akenaton for worship of Aton.

Imhotep

Djoser's advisor, architect of the step pyramid.

Valley of the Kings

Burial site for many Pharaohs, including Tuthmosis III.

Aton

Sun god worshipped during Akenaton's reign.

Great Royal Wife

Principal wife of the Pharaoh, mother of heirs.

Sovereignty

Supreme power or authority over a territory.

Legacy

Enduring impact or contributions of a Pharaoh.

Cataract

Waterfall or rapids, significant in Nile geography.

Colossal Statues

Large monuments built by Ramses II to honor himself.

Dynasty

Lineage of rulers from the same family.

Nefertiti

Akenaton's wife, renowned for her beauty.