History // Ancient Egypt

Egyptian Social Hierarchy

Describe the social structure of ancient Egypt as a pyramid-shaped hierarchy: the pharaoh at the top, then priests and nobles, followed by scribes and soldiers, then craftworkers and merchants, and farmers and labourers at the base — understanding that a person's position was usually inherited and determined their whole way of life

Ages
7 to 9
Type
Concept
Builds on
3 topics
Leads to
3 topics

Quick check

If the learner is asked who was more important in ancient Egypt — a scribe or a farmer — can they explain the social pyramid and where each person fitted?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Draw or describe the social pyramid with at least four levels correctly ordered
  • Explain that most people were farmers and had very different lives from the pharaoh
  • Give an example of how social position affected someone's daily life (e.g., only scribes could read)

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

3 topics
  • Pharaohs and TutankhamunRequired

    Ancient Egypt // Ages 5 to 7

    Social hierarchy builds on knowing pharaohs existed as rulers

  • Everyday Life in Ancient EgyptRequired

    Ancient Egypt // Ages 5 to 7

    Social pyramid builds on knowing daily life of ordinary Egyptians

  • Vocabulary: ancient egyptRequired

    Ancient Egypt // Ages 5 to 9

    Describing Egyptian social hierarchy requires 'scribe', 'vizier', 'pharaoh', and related terms

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Egyptian Social Hierarchy

Ages 7 to 9 // Concept

Leads to

3 topics

History // Ancient Egypt

More in Ancient Egypt

All 29 topics