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Government in Mesopotamia and Egypt — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging history reading passage explores the question: Who held power in ancient times? Students will discover how power was distributed among nobles, priests, officials, and warriors in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. The passage uses archaeological and primary sources to illustrate the roles of these groups and how their influence shaped society and governance. Key vocabulary is integrated and explained for academic rigor. Activities include a quiz, writing prompts, two graphic organizers, and a timeline. The passage is aligned with standards 6.1, 6.2, and RH.6-8.1. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are provided to support diverse learners. Students will analyze the impact of power structures on daily life and continuity and change over time, strengthening both historical thinking and reading comprehension skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Egyptian tomb wall-painting - Egyptian Collections, Vol. XI (1826-1838), f.118 - BL Add MS 29822" /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC0).

Across the ancient world, the power to rule and make major decisions was usually held by a small group of people. In civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and ancient China, leaders divided their societies into levels known as a social hierarchy. This hierarchy determined who had authority, who made laws, and who benefited most from society’s resources.

At the very top of the social order stood rulers like pharaohs in Egypt or kings in Mesopotamia. These leaders claimed their right to rule through divine authority, meaning they said the gods had chosen them. Pharaoh Ramses II, for example, ruled Egypt for over 60 years beginning in 1279 BCE and was often depicted in temple carvings as chosen by the gods. Early Chinese emperors, such as those of the Shang Dynasty (about 1600–1046 BCE), also claimed to rule with the Mandate of Heaven, a belief that their power came from a higher spiritual force.

Beneath the rulers were groups who supported and advised them, including nobles, priests, officials, and warriors. Nobles were often landowners who provided military service and resources. Priests played a critical role, especially in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where religion was central to daily life. They led ceremonies, interpreted the gods’ will, and controlled temple wealth. Officials managed day-to-day affairs like collecting taxes and enforcing laws. Warriors protected the civilization and expanded its territory; the Assyrian Empire, for example, became powerful in the first millennium BCE due to its skilled and organized army.

Archaeological records, such as the tomb paintings in Egypt and cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia, show the importance of these groups. One cuneiform tablet from the city of Ur (about 2100 BCE) records land given by a king to a noble, demonstrating how power and land were closely linked. Despite differences between civilizations, most shared a system where power was concentrated among elites. Over time, some societies saw changes. For example, in ancient Athens, ordinary citizens eventually gained more influence through assemblies and voting, challenging the traditional hierarchy.

These ancient power structures affected daily life, laws, religion, and even what people could eat or wear. Geography also played a role: civilizations with fertile land or rivers, like the Nile or Tigris-Euphrates, could support large populations and complex governments. Understanding who held power helps explain how ancient societies were organized and how their legacies shape our world today.

Interesting Fact: Did you know? In ancient Egypt, priests sometimes became so wealthy and powerful that they rivaled the pharaohs themselves!

Who ruled Egypt for over 60 years?

Ramses IIHammurabiKing TutSargon

What did the Mandate of Heaven justify?

Chinese rulers' powerEgyptian temple designTrade in AthensGreek gods' names

Which group controlled temple wealth?

PriestsWarriorsArtisansFarmers

Why were warriors important?

Protected and expanded territoryBuilt templesWrote lawsTaught religion

What effect did fertile land have?

Allowed large populationsCaused warsCreated mountainsReduced trade

How did Athens change over time?