Slavery in Ancient Egypt
by Robert Glomb
A. Harvest
B. Music
C. Winnowing (scooping
grain w/wooden
trays)
D. Taxes
E. Cattle
Slavery in Ancient Egypt
Slaves were often sold at a marketplace.
Slaves could be children. Age did not matter.
Slaves could be traded for things other than money.
Slaves were brought to Egypt from other lands.
Slaves were often given Egyptian names.
Slaves were vital to the growth of the Egyptian empire.
Social Pyramid in Ancient Egypt
Where did slaves find their place within
the social pyramid of ancient Egypt? The
pharaoh?
Slavery in Ancient Egypt…continued
Some people became slaves as punishment
for a crime or for going into debt. How does
this differ from what you’ve learned about
the practice of slavery in the past? What
does the word “debt” mean?
Slavery in Ancient Egypt…continued
With the practice of slavery sometimes
comes forced labor. While many people
believe that the pyramids were built by
slaves, many historians disagree. It was most
likely free men (farmers) who couldn’t farm
during the annual flooding of the Nile.
A. Raising stone blocks
B. Supervisors
C. Shaping the stone
D. Accidents happen
Slavery in Ancient Egypt…continued
Egyptians believed in life after death and the
good or bad that a person did while alive,
translates over to the afterlife. In other
words, most Egyptians did not abuse slaves
for fear of their own “life in eternity.”
Slavery in Ancient Egypt…continued
Could a slave become free? Absolutely! An
Egyptian slave could marry into a free family
or buy their freedom. Some slaves held highesteemed positions such as scribe or
engineer.
A. Pottery
B. Gold
C. Sandals
D. Wood carving
Slavery in Ancient Egypt…continued
Summing it up…
-There were slaves in ancient Egypt.
-You could become a slave for a crime
committed or a debt owed.
-A slave could earn/buy their freedom.
-Slaves most likely did not build the
pyramids.
Slavery in Ancient Egypt…continued
Think about it…
Would ancient Egypt have succeeded
without the practice of slavery?
Do you think that the institution of
slavery is ever justified? Why or why
not?