Social Inequality In Ancient Egypt

Egypt’s social hierarchy created a stable, well-ordered society, as seen through a clearly visible status of people that ensured survival and success of society, massive social inequality, that stimulated the development of a more complex society and state, and beneficial social norms, regarding the everyday life, customs and beliefs, which were a great foundation for people’s morals and duties and helped the society to run smoothly. Social status was clearly displayed and was a requirement for survival and success of society. For example, “since the Egyptians believed that the Pharaohs were gods, they entrusted them with many responsibilities, such as political, religious, social, economic, military and legal commitments.” (The ancient Egypt

The wealth distribution was very much divided between The King and the privileged class, and the ordinary people. For example, “The Pharaoh, who was separated from his subjects, together with the richest people underneath him (priests, nobles) led a luxurious lifestyle. They lived in palaces, had many prized possessions and ate the finest food. In contrast, most Egyptians lived in poor homes with a very low hygiene; they battled and died from countless diseases “(The ancient Egypt (Handbook to Life) / Pg.138.) The King and the wealthy class were in a constant demand of more wealth and resources; they wanted to surround themselves with the finest art, demanded bigger and more luxurious palaces, etc. As a result of their constantly increasing demands, labourers and craftsmen were striving to be better in their work and implement new ideas in their products. Manufacture in the cities increased; at the same time very wealthy men gradually transformed themselves into local rulers, who developed a more complex administration in order to meet the needs of the growing economy. All of these actions led to the altering of the