Government and religion
were inseparable in ancient Egypt. The pharaoh
was the head of state and the divine representative of the gods on earth.
Religion and
government
brought order to society through the construction
of temples, the creation of
laws,
taxation,
the
organization
of labour,
trade with neighbours and the
defence
of the country’s interests. The pharaoh was assisted by a
hierarchy of
advisors,
priests, officials and administrators, who were
responsible for the affairs of the state and the welfare of the people.
Ancient Egypt could not have achieved such stability and grandeur
without the co-operation of all levels of the population. The pharaoh
was at the top of the
social hierarchy.
Next to him, the most powerful
officers were the viziers, the executive heads of the bureaucracy. Under
them were the high priests, followed by royal overseers (administrators)
who ensured that the 42 district governors carried out the pharaoh's
orders. At the bottom of the hierarchy were the scribes, artisans,
farmers and labourers.
Created: January 9, 1998. Last update: November 28, 2006 © Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation |