Ancient Egypt, Thesis Paper Example

Social, Political and Economic Structure of Ancient Egypt

Abstract

The ancient kingdoms bore semblance in the way they conducted their affairs. Most of the affairs were based on clan and social groupings with roles trickling along family roots. As observed, the ancient Egyptians ahs a well-organized social, political and economic structure through which they drew a livelihood and life.

Introduction

The society was classified into three categories: middle class, soldiers and peasants. Most of these classifications were based on historical differences and origin. However, the society members wee able to mix and intermingle in trade and social activities. Marriage was accorded due respect with most of the unions drawing their strength from love rather than purchase of companionship. The status of the first wife was protected by law and polygamy was open only to those who were able to afford it.

As a result, man and a wife lied on equal terms and the first wife was always the second in command. Similarly, her first male child was the designated heir of her husband’s status. The father of a child was responsible for provision of needs. Thus, men provided for the children of their primary and secondary wives. Wives were also liberal and were known for their infidelity. The pharaoh who was struck blind was unable to regain his sight owing to the fact that no woman who was brought to him was pure of body.

The kingdoms were protected by soldiers who were revered. However, the warriors were wary of war and favored dialogue and consensus over the deadly battles. Their respect for life surpassed that of domination. Thus, most battles were comprised of mercenaries who fought for money. The royals lived a luxurious life while peasants could only afford a tin hut with bare minimums as outlined by Silverman (2003). However, all members of a society were accorded their rightful respect regardless of their social status.

Pharaohs were the rule of the land. They drew their power from the worship accorded to the individuals who they led. As a result, their dedication was simply to serve the subjects. Kings were thus representatives of gods on earth owing to the belief that they were descendants of the Sun God. This religious connection fostered to place held by the king. It was imperative hat a king be present in all ceremonies and rites of passage (Gadalla, 2007). Consequently, the death of a king was equated to death of a god and thus the burial had to be done in a specific way to avoid punishment from the gods. Ancient Egyptian kings claimed their throne through marriage to the eldest princesses. Most leaders adhered to the matriarchal system where the king’s wife was a power broker.

As posited by Manchip (1970), business was done through barter trade. Most of scales for measuring the value were based on agreed terms with weights of stone and metal acting as the standard measure. With civilization taking its course, the Egyptians invented metal money that was carried in linen bags, a safer way compared to the bangles hanging from the neck. As hunters and gatherers, most of the goods exchanged included livestock and grains. However, evidence of agriculture was also unearned from dwelling sites of ancient Egyptians.  From the evidence it was discerned that agriculture thrived along the Nile valley between 6000-4000BC. Through use of primitive tools, the farmers were able to utilize the waters of river Nile to cultivate the arid lands (Gadalla, 2007).

References

Gadalla, M. (2007). The Ancient Egyptian Culture Revealed. North Carolina: Tehuti Research   Foundation

Manchip, J. E. (1970). Ancient Egypt; Its Culture and History. New York: Courier Dover Publications,

Silverman, D.  P. (2003). Ancient Egypt. New York: Oxford University Press US