ANCIENT EGYPT GOVERNMENT

E G Y P T I A N G O V E R N M E N T

C O U R T S Y S T E M

Egyptian law was based on a view of right and wrong, following the codes based on the concept of Ma’at. This concept allowed that everyone, with the exception of slaves, should be viewed as equals under the law, regardless of wealth or social position. However, when punishment was carried out, often the entire family of the guilty suffered as well. For example, when individuals were sentenced to exile, their children were automatically outlawed along with them.

P U N I S H M E N T S

Egyptian law was based on a view of right and wrong, following the codes based on the concept of Ma’at. This concept allowed that everyone, with the exception of slaves, should be viewed as equals under the law, regardless of wealth or social position. However, when punishment was carried out, often the entire family of the guilty suffered as well. For example, when individuals were sentenced to exile, their children were automatically outlawed along with them.

S O C I A L H I E R A R C H Y

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.

A N C I E N T E G Y P T

Egypt is an acclaimed civilization with a history dating back over five thousand years. Egyptian civilization merged around 3150 BC with the political unification of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. It is located in the North-Eastern part of the African continent. In the several thousand year span of Egyptian history, the general way of governing was quite consistent. The mix of politics, religion was what allowed Egypt to remain the powerful country that it was for such a long time.

G O V E R N M E N T

Government was a crucial part of Ancient Egypt, and was the main cause of Egypt’s political stability throughout it’s rule. The type of government they had was theocracy, a theocracy in which a country is ruled by religious leaders. The religious leader in this case was the pharaoh. The pharaoh was the head of the state and the divine representative of the gods on earth.

People of the government included the pharaoh, vizier & overseers