Egyptian life

Chapter 2

Government officials belonged to the highest class on Egypt’s social pyramid,
after the pharaoh. Their job was to assist the pharaoh in his or her role as
supreme ruler of Egypt.
Government officials were often members of the pharaoh’s family or other
upper-class families. Most of them inherited their positions from family
members. However, trusted servants from the royal court sometimes rose to
power.
Important Government Officials Three important officials were the vizier
(vuh-ZEER), the chief treasurer, and the general of the armies. Each had his
own duties.
The vizier had more power than anyone except the pharaoh. The vizier advised
the pharaoh and carried out his commands. He appointed and supervised many
of the other government officials.
The vizier also served as a kind of chief judge. Other judges would bring him
their toughest cases. A vizier was expected to be fair and neutral, showing no
special favor to either side in a dispute. One vizier gave this advice about being
impartial, or not taking sides: “Regard one you know like one you don’t know,
one near you like one far from you.” In works of art, viziers were often shown
wearing white, the color of neutrality.
The chief treasurer oversaw the government’s wealth. His main duty was to collect taxes. Egypt’s economy was
based on goods rather than money. People paid their taxes in grain, cows, cloth, and silver.
After the pharaoh, the top military commander in Egypt was the general of the armies. He advised the pharaoh in
matters of war and national security, such as how to protect Egypt’s borders from invaders. He also helped the
pharaoh make alliances with other kingdoms.
Lives of Luxury High government officials led lives of luxury. Most were nobles who had great wealth, fine homes,
and plenty of time to socialize.
The lavish banquets enjoyed by these wealthy Egyptians illustrate their grand lifestyle. Hosts took pride in the meal.
Cooks might roast duck, goose, pigeon, quail, antelope, sheep, and goat. Dishes were piled high with special
delicacies that might include figs, dates, grapes, and coconuts. A variety of breads and cakes and honey completed
the feast.
Guests at banquets dressed in fine linen clothing. Both men and women wore perfume. Women often wore ropes of
beads as jewelry. They painted their nails, lined their eyes with makeup, and used lipstick.