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How Pharaohs Governed Egypt — Reading Comprehension

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This history reading passage explores how Ancient Egypt was governed, highlighting the roles of the pharaoh, vizier, officials, and scribes. Students will learn about the social hierarchy, how government was organized, and the ways Egyptian society depended on record-keeping and law. The passage uses vocabulary and concepts appropriate for students studying world history, and includes references to archaeological evidence and primary sources. Engaging activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a glossary, graphic organizers, and a timeline of key events. The passage is available in both English and Spanish and features read aloud audio. This content aligns with CA HSS 6.2.3 and CCSS RI.6.3, making it ideal for classrooms focused on ancient civilizations and critical reading skills.

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CairoEgMuseumTaaMaskMostlyPhotographed.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - Roland Unger

Ancient Egypt was organized under a highly structured system of government that lasted for over 3,000 years, from about 3100 BCE to 30 BCE. At the top of this system was the pharaoh, who was considered both a political leader and a living god. The pharaoh’s authority stretched across the land, from the capital city of Memphis to the smallest farming villages along the Nile River.

The pharaoh ruled with absolute power, but governing such a vast and complex society required a network of officials. The most important of these was the vizier, who acted as the pharaoh’s chief advisor and head of administration. The vizier supervised other officials, collected taxes, managed state projects, and oversaw justice. One ancient inscription from the tomb of the vizier Rekhmire (around 1450 BCE) describes his duties as “overseer of all the king’s works,” showing how central this role was to Egyptian government.

Beneath the vizier were governors, called nomarchs, who managed different regions known as nomes. Each nomarch was responsible for collecting grain, organizing labor for irrigation and building, and maintaining order. Archaeologists have found clay tablets and wall paintings in tombs at Saqqara and Thebes that show officials recording harvests and distributing food. These records reveal that Egypt’s government relied heavily on bureaucracy, a system where officials, rather than elected leaders, managed day-to-day affairs.

Scribes played a critical role in Egyptian government. They were trained to read and write hieroglyphs, the ancient Egyptian writing system. Scribes kept records of taxes, laws, trade, and even military orders. One famous example is the Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decode Egyptian hieroglyphs. Scribes, who came from respected families, formed a class of educated people essential to the running of the state. Without their work, the pharaoh’s orders could not be communicated or enforced throughout the kingdom.

Egypt’s government was closely tied to its social structure. Most people were farmers or laborers, but the system allowed some, like scribes, to rise in status through education. Religion was also deeply connected to government, as the pharaoh was seen as the link between the gods and the people. This connection justified the pharaoh’s rule and helped maintain stability over centuries. Over time, the system adapted to new challenges, such as foreign invasions or droughts, but the core structure of centralized authority and detailed record-keeping remained strong.

The organization of Ancient Egypt’s government shaped daily life, economic growth, and the development of one of the world’s earliest civilizations. By understanding how this system worked, historians gain insight into the achievements and endurance of Egyptian society.

Interesting Fact: Ancient Egyptian scribes used reed brushes and ink made from soot and plants to record important information on papyrus scrolls. This study of government in Ancient Egypt connects to broader themes of social organization, leadership, and the ways geography shapes history.

Who was at the top of Egypt's government?

PharaohVizierScribeNomarch

What was the role of the vizier?

Chief advisorFarmerSoldierPriest

What did scribes use to write?

Papyrus and inkStone tabletsClay potsWooden sticks

Why were scribes important in Egypt?

They recorded taxes and lawsThey built pyramidsThey farmed landThey led armies

What effect did geography have on Egypt's government?

It needed organized managementIt caused warsIt made farming impossibleIt stopped trade

How did religion support the pharaoh's power?

Pharaoh was seen as a godPharaoh was a farmerPharaoh was a soldierPharaoh was a builder