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Mesopotamia and Egypt: Social Classes — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging history reading passage explores the pyramid structure of ancient societies, focusing on the roles of kings, priests, and farmers. Students will learn how these groups shaped civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, including evidence from primary sources like the Stele of Hammurabi and Egyptian tomb paintings. The passage explains cause-and-effect relationships, continuity and change over time, and the impact of geography on social hierarchies. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a chronological timeline, all aligned with CA HSS 6.2.2 and CCSS RI.6.3 standards. Read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation are included to support diverse learners. This resource helps students think like historians and develop critical reading skills while deepening their understanding of ancient history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"EgyptianFarmer" by Theduke007 /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Throughout ancient history, societies were often organized in a pyramid-shaped hierarchy with groups holding different levels of power and responsibility. At the top were the kings, who claimed authority over the land and its people. Beneath them, priests played a vital role in religious and daily life. At the base were farmers, who produced food for everyone. This social structure shaped daily life and influenced how civilizations developed.

In ancient Mesopotamia, the city-state of Babylon was ruled by King Hammurabi around 1792 BCE. The Stele of Hammurabi, a tall stone monument, recorded laws that organized society. Kings claimed their power was given by the gods, making them both political and religious leaders. Priests in Mesopotamia managed temples and communicated with the gods through rituals. They also controlled large tracts of land and collected surplus crops as offerings, showing their economic influence. Farmers formed the largest part of the population, working the fields along rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates. Their labor supported the city’s wealth and allowed others to pursue crafts or government work.

Ancient Egypt had a similar system. Pharaohs, believed to be living gods, sat at the top of the hierarchy. Tomb paintings from the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE) depict priests leading ceremonies and farmers working along the Nile. Priests preserved religious knowledge and organized festivals. Farmers used the predictable flooding of the Nile to grow wheat, barley, and vegetables. Their work made it possible to build great monuments like pyramids. Archaeologists have uncovered records of grain stores and lists of workers, revealing the importance of farmers in society’s survival.

The division of society into classes had important effects. Kings and priests could focus on governing, religion, and building projects because farmers provided food. However, this system created inequality. Most farmers had little power, and their lives were shaped by the needs of those above them. Over centuries, some societies saw changes, such as the rise of merchant classes or expansion of rights for common people. Yet, the pyramid-shaped structure remained in many places for thousands of years.

Understanding how kings, priests, and farmers interacted helps us see how geography, religion, and economy shaped ancient civilizations. These roles influenced government, culture, and the daily lives of millions, leaving a legacy that historians continue to study.

Interesting Fact: The ancient Sumerians were among the first to use written records to keep track of farm harvests, showing the close link between farming and the development of writing. Learning about ancient social structures connects to our study of how societies organize power, resources, and culture throughout history.

Who ruled Babylon around 1792 BCE?

King HammurabiPharaoh RamsesPriest SumerKing Tutankhamun

What did farmers provide for society?

FoodLawsTemplesJewelry

Who managed temples in Mesopotamia?

PriestsKingsFarmersMerchants

Why could kings focus on governing?

Farmers supplied foodPriests built citiesMerchants ruledSoldiers farmed

What effect did the social pyramid have?

Created inequalityEnded farmingStopped religionMade everyone king

Why were priests important in Egypt?

Led ceremoniesFarmed fieldsBuilt pyramidsWrote laws