Critical Thinking Answers
1. How do we know about the Pharaohs that we discuss today? What did they do to make sure that future times would know about their accomplishments?
- Pharaohs had scribes record information about their lives and events
- Pharaohs built temples, monuments, and tombs for themselves that lasted several centuries later
- Pharaohs had artisans paint murals about their accomplishments
2. Now that you have seen the list of classes in the social pyramid, can you think of a group that was left out or not mentioned? Could any of the social groups be combined or divided? Keep in mind there are several versions of the social pyramid of ancient Egypt, but the hierarchy remains the same.
- Soldiers, could be a part of the artisans or peasants
- Noblemen, could be a part of the government official group
3. Think about what you know about the American government system. Do we have government officials that relate to any jobs or positions or classes in ancient Egypt? What is similar and what is different?
- Vizier acted as second in command to the Pharaoh, similar to the vice president helping the president
- Many groups and organizations have a "treasurer" to deal with money, the US has a Secretary of the Treasury
- The Secretary of Defense in US government deals with issues of the army, navy, and other military operations, similar to the general or armies in ancient Egypt
