Religion, society, and political power made up the occupations of the people, who they worshiped, and how they were ruled and governed. These factors were important because they kept Egypt in balance. The gods that they worshipped would help them in times in need. Society helped organize the roles of people and what specific jobs they had. Power trusted in government officials and pharaohs ensured that Egypt would be powerful and safe. In later periods, a number of invaders such as the Hyksos, the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans conquered Egypt. However, religion, society and political power would stay the same. These factors helped shape Ancient Egypt.
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ReligionReligion played a big role in the lives of many people in Egypt. People in Ancient Egypt practiced polytheism. This meant that they worshipped more than one god. There were about 2,000 gods in Egypt's pantheon. Some had animal features such as Thoth, god of writing, and Anubis, protector of the dead. Major gods included Ra, god of the sun, Osiris, god the the underworld, Isis, goddess of magic, and Horus, god of the sky. Massive temples were dedicated for the gods. Priests would take care of them and perform sacred rituals to please them. Religion also played in the role of when people died. The Egyptians believed that when a person died, his or her spirit, the ka, would live in the afterlife and need all the comforts to fulfill their need. That's why people would build tombs and fill them with all of their belongings there. They would also have to embalm the dead person and make them into a mummy. Mummy-making involved drying the body with natron salt and herbs, taking out the internal organs and then wrapping it in linen cloth. That way, the ka would recognize it's body and face. Only people from elite classes could afford to be mummified when they died. Peasants would burry their loved ones at the edge of the desert because the sand helped preserve the body.
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Social OrderSociety in Egypt was divided into different classes and levels. At the top was the pharaoh. The pharaoh was the ruler of the empire and controlled all the lands that he conquered. Below, were government officials, nobles, and priests. They worked for the government and temples. Below them were soldiers, who fought in battles. Next were scribes who kept records and accounts, and then merchants, who traded and sold goods. All the way at the bottom were craftsmen, farmers, and slaves. They made up a majority of Ancient Egypt. Each person had a role that helped Egypt prosper and become wealthy.
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Political PowerAncient Egypt was ruled by pharaohs. Pharaohs were said to be descendants of the gods. In legend, the first pharaoh of Egypt was a man named Menes. He unified Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt together to form one country. They were supposed to protect Egypt and help people in need. During the Middle Kingdom, Egypt was controlled by an invaders known as the Hyksos. Then, a legendary pharaoh named Ahmose drove them out and freed Egypt. Pharaohs founded dynasties, in which their children would rule in the future. In total, there were 31 dynasties in Egypt. Usually, only male rulers took control of Egypt. However, queens sometimes ruled as co-regents, and even as kings. Government officials also took part in controlling Egypt. They were usually nobles and came from wealthy families. Even scribes, from the middle class, could have government jobs and become rich. Some officials included the army general, the chief treasurer, and viziers. Viziers were like prime ministers and was in charge of the government. He carried out the pharaoh's commands and sometimes judged serious cases.
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