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Social Classes in Ancient Societies — Reading Comprehension

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This passage explores the concept of social hierarchies in ancient civilizations, focusing on why societies such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India developed different social classes. Students will learn how geography, economic needs, and government structures shaped these hierarchies. The passage includes examples from archaeological sources, such as the Code of Hammurabi and Egyptian tomb paintings, and examines the roles of rulers, priests, merchants, and farmers. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline to support analytical thinking. The passage is aligned with CA HSS 6.2 and CCSS RH.6-8.1 standards. Read aloud audio and a Spanish translation are provided, making this an accessible and rigorous resource for history learning. Keywords include social classes, ancient government, and social structure.

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[Ancient Egyptian Paintings].
Source: Library of Congress

Throughout ancient civilizations, people were divided into groups known as social hierarchies. These hierarchies, or ranked social classes, developed for many reasons, including economic needs, geography, and government organization. By studying artifacts and written records, historians have learned how social hierarchies shaped daily life in places such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India.

In Mesopotamia, one of the earliest civilizations (around 3500 BCE), the social structure was organized in layers. At the top were kings, who claimed divine power and led the city-states. Below them were priests, who controlled temples and religious ceremonies, and were considered important because people believed they could communicate with the gods. Next came skilled artisans and merchants, followed by farmers and laborers. The lowest class included enslaved people, often prisoners of war. The famous Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 BCE), an ancient legal code, described different punishments based on a person's social class, showing how laws reinforced hierarchy.

Ancient Egypt also had a well-defined social structure. Pharaohs ruled as god-kings and were at the top of society. Nobles and priests managed land and led religious rituals, while scribes kept records and helped organize government. Farmers made up most of the population and worked the land along the Nile River. The construction of the pyramids, for example, depended on this organized labor. Archaeological evidence, such as tomb paintings, shows people of higher rank drawn larger than others—a visual symbol of their importance. Over time, Egyptian society remained stable, but changes did occur, such as during periods when foreign rulers took power or when pharaohs granted freedoms to certain groups.

In India, the caste system developed as a rigid social hierarchy. People were divided into groups by birth, such as Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (merchants), and Shudras (laborers). This structure influenced daily life, including jobs, marriage, and religious practices. Even today, the legacy of these ancient social hierarchies can be seen in some cultural traditions.

Social hierarchies helped ancient societies organize their work, distribute resources, and provide order. However, they also limited opportunities for many people and often led to inequality. By comparing the social classes of different civilizations and examining primary sources, historians can understand both the benefits and drawbacks of these systems. The study of ancient social hierarchies shows how geography, religion, and government shaped human societies and continue to influence the modern world.

Understanding why societies created social classes helps explain broader themes in history, such as power, justice, and human rights.

Interesting Fact: In ancient Egypt, scribes were so respected that they were sometimes buried with their own writing tools, symbols of their special role in society.

Who was at the top in Mesopotamia?

KingsFarmersMerchantsArtisans

What document showed social classes in law?

Code of HammurabiRosetta StoneEpic of GilgameshRigveda

Who built most of Egypt's pyramids?

Farmers and laborersPharaohsPriestsNobles

Why did social hierarchies develop?

Economic, geographic, government needsOnly for tradeFor warsBy accident

How did Egyptian art show hierarchy?

Larger figures for higher rankEveryone same sizeOnly animals drawnNo people shown

What was a result of social classes?

Organized work and inequalityNo governmentEnd of farmingEqual rights