Ancient Egyptian Society and Trade

How did most Egyptians sustain themselves, given the circumstances of their labor?

What was the primary construction material used for the homes of Egyptian peasants?

In what setting did craftspeople and merchants typically live and work?

What was the most common form of labor for those enslaved in Ancient Egypt?

What was the main form of exchange used by merchants in Ancient Egypt?

Egyptian Society

Most Egyptians worked on land owned by pharaohs, nobles, and temples
Workers kept part of harvest, but paid taxes; struggling to survive
Lived in mud-brick houses near the Nile River (small villages)
Grew flax, wheat, barley, fruits, vegetables
Raised livestock (cows, donkeys, geese)
When the Nile flooded, peasants worked to build pyramids, temples, palaces

Slavery

Prisoners of war often became slaves
Slaves worked in domestic service
Worked on public works projects
Worked in mines (gold, copper)
Pharaohs owned most slaves
Not many slaves in Ancient Egypt

Crafts and Trade

Craftspeople and merchants in cities
Craftspeople made pottery, papyrus, glass, linen fabrics, and metal objects
Some worked in official workshops near palaces
Others in private workshops
Merchants travelled to buy wood, perfumes, incense, metals from other lands
Traded these items for other goods in Egypt
Barter system
Wealthy had servants who were paid wages

Peasant Homes

Mud-brick houses
Located near the Nile River
Activities included growing crops and raising animals
Irrigation was important aspect of farming

Explore the intricacies of Ancient Egyptian society, focusing on the roles of workers, slaves, and craftsmen. Discover how trade practices and agriculture shaped life along the Nile. This quiz covers the economic and social structures of one of history's oldest civilizations.