Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
UC Berkeley History-Social Science Project
2011 Ancient Civilizations Summer Institute
Amy Stauffer
Unit Topic: Ancient Egypt
Unit Focus Question: How did geography influence religion and political order in ancient Egypt?
Unit Teaching Thesis: The development and power of the ancient Egyptian civilization was made possible
by its geography. The Nile river provided water to support agriculture for the vast Egyptian empire.
Egyptians also used the Nile to trade and travel in Africa and around the Mediterranean region. The hot dry
deserts that surrounded Egypt also aided in its development as they acted as natural barriers to invasion.
Additionally, the deserts provided the necessary climate to preserve the dead and therefore support many
of the Egyptians’ religious practices. The religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians influenced all aspects of
the social and political order of their culture. The Pharaoh’s god-like status kept order in Egypt as lower
social levels obeyed strict practices determined by religious traditions. These practices included irrigationcontrol according to the religious calendar, elaborate temple rituals, embalming the dead, and the work of
skilled artisans who created beautiful objects in preparation for the afterlife.
H-SS Standard: 6.2.3 Understand the relationship between religion and the social and political order in
Mesopotamia and Egypt.
6-8 Historical and Social Sciences Analysis Skills:
Research, Evidence, and Point of View: 4. Students assess the credibility of primary and secondary sources
and draw sound conclusions from them.
Historical Interpretation: 3. Students explain the sources of historical continuity and how the combination
of ideas and events explains the emergence of new patterns.
Common Core Standards in Reading for Literacy in History / Social Studies 6-12: Grades 6-8 Students:
Key Ideas and Details
1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate
summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
7. Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information
in print and digital texts.
Common Core Standards in Writing for Literacy in History / Social Studies 6-12: Grades 6-8 Students:
Text Types and Purposes:
1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content:
(a) Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish claim(s) from alternate or
opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically;
(b) Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate and
understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Lesson Plan
Lesson Topic: Analyzing Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet and The Satire on the Trades, two primary
sources from Ancient Egypt
Lesson Focus Questions: What can we learn from Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet and the Satire of
the Trades about social structure in ancient Egypt?
Lesson Teaching Thesis:
The Satire of the Trades, shows how scribes, who had to be educated in ancient Egypt, had more
opportunities than other occupations, while lower classes were required to serve the elite classes. The
Satire of the Trades communicated that if a young man didn’t finish his education and become a scribe, his
other options were limited to undesirable occupations such as a field hand, metal worker, or fisherman
whose lives were filled with hardship and exhaustion. On the other hand if he became a scribe he was
assured a life of relative ease and privilege.
Both the tomb relief and the Satire of the Trades portray laborers who work for the elite classes. Unlike
laborers and servants, scribes had some independence and in general had better lives. The son, who is
being lectured by his father in the Satire of the Trades, must choose to either work long, hard hours in
scribe school and reap the rewards of being a scribe later or dismiss the possibility of education and become
a laborer living a life full of hardships.
The wall relief tells us much about the social structure of ancient Egypt. It illustrates how the upper class
of Ancient Egypt were celebrated in daily life and honored in preparation for the afterlife. The figures
shown in the relief are servants to the governor and made up the largest part of Egyptian society, the lower
class. The relief was found in the tomb of Governor Ment, and functioned as an offering to the god Amun
from Governor Ment. The objects and figures portrayed in tomb reliefs like this one were believed to come
alive and bring eternal comfort to the ka or soul of the dead in the afterlife. Therefore servants depicted in
this relief would continue to serve Governor Ment in the afterlife.
Both sources will spark conversation about the class system and social mobility through education in ancient
Egypt.
Primary Sources:
Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
Egyptian, Thebes, Third Intermediate Period, Dynasties 25-26, ca. 660 B.C.
Limestone with polychrome
Museum purchase, M.H. de Young Memorial Museum
The Satire of the Trades (2050-1640 BCE) from Simpson, William Kelly. Literature of Ancient Egypt, an
Anthology of Stories, Instructions, Stelae, Autobiographies, and Poetry.
Secondary Source:
Get Smart With Art Binder Pamphlet #2
Reading Instruction:
 Trade Ranking (inferences)
 Say, Mean, Matter Chart
Writing Strategy:
 Evidence Sandwich practice
 Analytical Paragraph Response Frame
Suggested Lesson Time Period and timeline:
Three 60 minute periods
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Day 1: Read and analyze the Satire of the Trades
Day 2: Examine and analyze the Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
Day 3: Use evidence and analysis gathered in days 1 and 2 to write an analytical paragraph about social
structure in ancient Egypt.
Detailed Lesson Steps:
These lessons can be taught as an introduction to social structure in ancient Egypt or as lesson applications
after teaching about social structure in ancient Egypt.
Day 1: Read and analyze the Satire of the Trades
1. Ask students to brainstorm what they already know about social structure in Ancient Egypt. Tell them
that today they will be reading an ancient piece of writing entitled The Satire on the Trades from the
Middle Kingdom ca. 2050-1640 BCE. Explain that in this text a father named Dua-Khety talks to his son,
Pepy, about why being a scribe is the best profession in the world. He emphasizes how the life of a scribe is
so much better than living with the difficulties other professionals encounter. Read the text aloud to
students, and point out the asterisked words and meanings.
2. After reading once to students, ask students to read the text independently and focus on the question:
How does the primary source the Satire of the Trades reflect Egyptian beliefs and practices about the
social structure and class in ancient Egypt? Students should also identify the hardships Dua-Khety associates
with trades other than a scribe. While they read ask students to circle words and phrases they don’t
understand or have questions about.
3. Discuss the reading and clear up any misunderstandings about the meaning of the text.
4. Next, complete the chart about the undesirable aspects of each job highlighted in The Satire on the
Trades. (note: Scribe will not have any undesirable aspects) Model the first row about the Coppersmith
with the students. Then ask students to work with a partner to complete the descriptions for the other four
occupations.
5. As a whole class using an overhead projector or document camera, discuss the characteristics of each job
and rankings. Ask students which occupation they would prefer to have in ancient Egypt and why.
6. Use the “Say, Mean, Matter” chart to analyze the text further. The purpose is to first summarize the
text in the “meaning” column, then analyze the text in the “matter” column. In the matter column
students should be answering the question: What does this excerpt tell us about how education affected
social structure in ancient Egypt? Model the first few lines of the text for students, then ask them to pick
out a line or group of lines to analyze in partners. You may also choose to teach this part of the lesson as a
“jigsaw.” Assign different partners specific parts of the text to analyze and then share out with the whole
class so that all students have exposure to the entire text. The purpose in this part of the lesson is to
deeply analyze text in order to be able to write about it.
7. Students should now complete step 4 on the Satire on the Trades worksheet. Students should focus on
the “matters” column in order to answer the question: What does this excerpt illustrate about social
structure in ancient Egypt? They will create an “evidence sandwich.” An evidence sandwich first includes
an introduction to the claim about social structure in ancient Egypt. It should name the source, which in
this case is the Satire on the Trades. Then it should say what people in Egypt believed. The second part of
an Evidence sandwich includes the actual evidence or part of text that supports the claim. Finally, the
explanation explains how the evidence supports the claim. The attached worksheet gives possible sentence
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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frames to guide students’ evidence sandwiches, but students should feel free to use their own language with
in the same basic structure of the evidence sandwich. If this is the first time writing an evidence sandwich,
you may want to model this first with the class.
8. Students should re-write their evidence sandwich in the space below or on a separate piece of paper.
Day 2: Examine and analyze the Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
1. Inform students that they will observe an artifact that is on display at The Legion of Honor Museum.
First they will look very closely at the image of the tomb relief and notice as many details as possible. They
should complete the “Analyzing Art” worksheet independently by first sketching the relief in the space
provided, and then listing observations and questions they have about the relief.
2. As a class, discuss observations and questions and then share answers to numbers 4 and 5 jobs you see
depicted in the tomb relief.
3. After discussing observations of the image, ask students to read the two page description of the relief in
the “Get Smart with Art” binder as partners. Before reading, students should preview the questions on Part
II. Investigate of the relief worksheet. These questions are all fact based questions that are answered in
the text. Review the answers as a whole group before moving on to Part III. Infer.
4. For Part III. Infer, students will use information they learned on day 1 from the Satire on the Trades and
from their observations and reading about the tomb relief. The second question may be difficult for
students to answer with out prompting students thinking by asking questions like: If I’m the woman carrying
the basket, am I going to have a tomb like Governor Ment? If I’m the man scaling fish, what will my tomb
be like? How does my position in society affect my life and afterlife? Again students should work in pairs
to complete this part. They should share their thoughts with their table groups first and then share out as a
whole class.
5. In Part IV. Synthesize, students are asked to think about what the tomb relief shows us about social
structure in ancient Egypt. Just as they did in day one with the Satire on the Trades, students should write
an evidence sandwich about the tomb relief. After using the sentence frames to help craft their evidence
sandwiches they should rewrite the paragraph in the space provided or on a separate piece of paper.
Day 3: Use evidence and analysis gathered in days 1 and 2 to write an analytical paragraph about social
structure in ancient Egypt.
1. As a class, read the prompt and expectations. Have students first rewrite the question in their own
words, next share with a partner, and finally share as a whole class.
2. Students should now move on to step 2 on the worksheet for writing an analytical paragraph. They will
use the evidence sandwiches they’ve already written and add an introduction and conclusion that connects
these claims or contrasts them.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Understanding the Satire on the Trades
Focus Question: How does the primary source the Satire on the Trades reflect Egyptian beliefs and
practices about the social structure and class in ancient Egypt?
1. Read the following excerpt from the Satire on the Trades. In this text, a father named Dua-Khety, talks
to his son, Pepy, about why being a scribe is the best profession in the world. He emphasizes how the life
of a scribe is so much better than living with the difficulties other professionals encounter. As you read,
identify the hardships Dua-Khety associates with trades other than a scribe. Circle words and phrases you
don’t understand or have questions about.
The Satire on the Trades
1 It is to writings that you must set your mind.
2 It saves one from work.
3 Behold, there is nothing that surpasses writings!
4 I shall make you love books more than your mother,
5 and I shall place their excellence before you.
6 It is indeed greater than any office.
7 There is nothing like it on earth.
8 …I have seen a coppersmith* at his work
9 At the mouth of his furnace**,
10 With fingers were like the claws of the crocodile,
11 and he stank more than fish eggs.
12
13
14
15
The barber*** shaves until the end of the evening.
but he must be up early, crying out his bowl upon his arm.
He takes himself from street to street to seek out someone to shave.
He wears out his arms to fill his belly, like bees who eat (only) according to their work.
16
17
18
19
The field hand cries out forever
His voice is louder than the raven’s.
His fingers have become ulcerous with an excess of stench.
He reaches his house worn out, for the forced labor has ruined him.
20
21
22
23
24
I mention to you also the fisherman.
He is more miserable than any profession.
One who is at his work in a river infested with crocodiles
One did not tell him that a crocodile was standing there, and fear has blinded him.
When he comes to the flowing water, so he falls through the might of God.
25 There is no office free from supervisors, except the scribe’s
26 He is the supervisor!
27 But if you understand writings, then it will be better for you than the professions which I have set
before you.
*a metal worker who makes things out of copper
**A large, hot oven used for heating metal and other materials to high temperatures.
***someone who cuts hair
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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2. Fill in the chart below in order to better understand the demands of each occupation in ancient Egypt.
After you’ve filled in the tasks and effects of the job, rank the occupations the way you think the father
would have. Make sure you include a reason for your ranking.
Occupation Job tasks
undesirable aspects
Dua-Khety’s Ranking (1=horrible,
of the job
2=undesirable, 3=so-so, 4-good, 5=best) and
reason for ranking
Coppersmith
Barber
Field Hand
Fisherman
Scribe
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Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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3. Use the chart below to understand the meaning of this ancient text. Next analyze the text to interpret
what it teaches us about how education affected social structure in Ancient Egypt. One example has been
completed for you. Choose three other lines or groups of lines to interpret.
Say (Text of Primary source)
Mean (summarize in your own
Matter: What does this excerpt
tell us about how education
words)
affected social structure in ancient
Egypt?
(lines 2,4,6,7)
2 It [writing] saves one from work.
4 I shall make you love books more than
your mother,
6 It is indeed greater than any office.
7 There is nothing like it on earth.
Writing, or being a scribe is
the best occupation in the
world because it does not
require physically tiring work.
This father wants his son to
love writing more than his own
mother.
Being a scribe is an amazing
opportunity and was respected
by society. It was important
for fathers to teach their son’s
about the value of education in
order to gain long term
happiness.
(copy selected lines below)
(copy selected lines below)
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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(copy selected lines below)
4. Synthesize: Look back at the Matters section above. What does this excerpt illustrate about social
structure in Ancient Egypt? Put this information together and make a claim about ancient Egyptian
society. Use an evidence sandwich to prove your point.
Claim
______________________________________ shows how__________________________
(name of source)
(who)
thought/believed___________________________________________________________.
Evidence
(Direct
Line(s) _______ of ________________________________________ states, __________
quote from
(name of source)
excerpt)
________________________________________________________________________________.
Explanation
This shows that____________________________________________________________
____________ because _____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
Rewrite your evidence sandwich about what the Satire on the Trades tells us about social structure in
Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
Egyptian, Thebes, Third Intermediate Period, Dynasties 25-26, ca. 660 B.C.
Limestone with polychrome
Museum purchase, M.H. de Young
Memorial Museum
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Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Analyzing Art
Title of Image: _____________________________________ Where object was found: _____________________________
Material/Media:______________________________________________ Time Period: _______________________________________
Part I. Observe
1. Sketch the relief in the space below. Include as many
details as possible:
2. List observations of the relief in the space below:
-a figure cleaning fish
-a woman carrying fruit in a basket
3. What questions do you have about the relief?
-What is the meaning of the hieroglyphic text?
4. What are the various jobs you see depicted in this tomb
relief?
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
5. How do you think this tomb relief was made? Describe the
process and people you think were necessary to make this.
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Part II. Investigate: Read the “Get Smart with Art” text about the Relief. Take notes and answer the questions that follow.
1. Who was governor Ment? What was his job in Egypt?
2. Why was this relief made? What did Egyptians believe about tomb reliefs?
3. What are the men doing in this tomb relief? What are the women doing?
4. What does the text tell us about Egypt’s strict class system? Why was it hard for poor people to become rich?
Part III. Infer: What conclusions can you draw about Egyptian social structure after examining this relief and reading the Satire
on the Trades?
1. Think about Dua-Khety’s message to his son Pepy. What does he tell his son to do in order to not end up like one of the servants
illustrated on this wall relief?
2. What can we infer about social structure in ancient Egypt from studying this relief?
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Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Part IV. Synthesize: Look back at the notes you took above. How does the primary source Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
reflect Egyptian beliefs and practices about the social structure in ancient Egypt? Put this information together and make a claim
about ancient Egyptian society. Use an evidence sandwich to prove your point.
Claim
______________________________________ shows how_______________________________________________
(name of source)
(who)
thought/believed________________________________________________________________________________.
Evidence
(Direct quote
from excerpt
of “Get Smart
with Art”)
Line(s) _______ of ________________________________________ states, _______________________________
(name of source)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________.
Explanation
This shows that__________________________________________________________________________________
____________ because __________________________________________________________________________.
In the space below, rewrite your evidence sandwich about what the Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet tells us about social
structure in ancient Egypt.
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Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Part V. Relationship between religion and social structure in ancient Egypt: Analytical Paragraph
Background:
The wall relief and excerpts from the Satire on the Trades tells us much about the social
structure and class system of ancient Egypt. The relief illustrates how the upper class of
Ancient Egypt were celebrated in daily life and honored in preparation for the afterlife. The
figures shown in the relief are servants to the governor and made up the largest part of
Egyptian society, the lower class.
The Satire on the Trades, shows how scribes, who had to be educated in ancient Egypt, had
more opportunities than other occupations, while lower classes were required to serve the elite
classes. The Satire on the Trades communicated that if you didn’t finish your education and
become a scribe, your other options were limited to undesirable occupations such as a field
hand, metal worker, or fisherman whose lives were filled with hardship and exhaustion.
Question/Prompt: How do the primary sources Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet and the
Satire on the Trades reflect Egyptian beliefs and practices about the social structure in ancient
Egypt?
Expectations:
 Use the primary and secondary sources we’ve discussed in class to write an analytical
paragraph
 If these sources show conflicting beliefs about social structure be sure to include
compare contrast language.
 Include a Thesis statement, at least two evidence sandwiches, and a concluding sentence
 Use the outline below to help you organize your ideas and construct draft sentences
 Finally re-write your paragraph on a separate piece of paper
Step 1: Thesis Development
 Rewrite the question in your own words:

Look through the evidence we’ve examined. rite at least two ideas the primary sources
we’ve discussed tell us about social structure in ancient Egypt?
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Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Step 2: Writing Frame
Use the evidence sandwiches you wrote about the Satire on the Trades and Relief from
Government Ment’s Tomb to draft a paragraph about social structure in ancient Egypt. It should
answer the prompt: How do the primary sources Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet and the
Satire on the Trades reflect Egyptian beliefs and practices about the social structure in ancient
Egypt?
Paragraph
Element
Thesis
Sentence:
answers the
prompt and
makes a claim
Draft sentence(s)
___________________________________ and __________________________
(Primary source #1)
(Primary source #2)
illustrate separate beliefs about __________________________in ancient
(aspect of society)
Egypt.
Evidence
Sandwich 1:
copy from
previously
written
Evidence
Sandwich on
Satire on the
Trades
Evidence
Sandwich 2:
copy from
previously
written
Evidence
Sandwich on
Relief from the
Tomb of
Mentuemhet
Conclusion:
restate thesis
and point to
further
implications
In conclusion in ancient Egypt…
Rewrite your paragraph on a separate piece of paper.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Understanding The Satire on the Trades
Focus Question: What is the relationship between education and social structure in Ancient Egypt?
1. Read the following excerpt from The Satire on the Trades. In this text, a father named Dua-Khety,
talks to his son, Pepy, about why being a scribe is the best profession in the world. He emphasizes how
the life of a scribe is so much better than living with the difficulties other professionals encounter. As
you read, identify the hardships Dua-Khety associates with trades other than a scribe. Underline the
undesirable effects of each job.
The Satire on the Trades
1 It is to writings that you must set your mind.
2 It saves one from work.
3 Behold, there is nothing that surpasses writings!
4 I shall make you love books more than your mother,
5 and I shall place their excellence before you.
6 It is indeed greater than any office.
7 There is nothing like it on earth.
8 …I have seen a coppersmith* at his work
9 At the mouth of his furnace**,
10 With fingers were like the claws of the crocodile,
11 and he stank more than fish eggs.
12
13
14
15
The barber*** shaves until the end of the evening.
but he must be up early, crying out his bowl upon his arm.
He takes himself from street to street to seek out someone to shave.
He wears out his arms to fill his belly, like bees who eat (only) according to their work.
16
17
18
19
The field hand cries out forever
His voice is louder than the raven’s.
His fingers have become ulcerous with an excess of stench.
He reaches his house worn out, for the forced labor has ruined him.
20
21
22
23
24
I mention to you also the fisherman.
He is more miserable than any profession.
One who is at his work in a river infested with crocodiles
One did not tell him that a crocodile was standing there, and fear has blinded him.
When he comes to the flowing water, so he falls through the might of God.
25 There is no office free from supervisors, except the scribe’s
26 He is the supervisor!
27 But if you understand writings, then it will be better for you than the professions which I have set
before you.
*a metal worker who makes things out of copper
**A large, hot oven used for heating metal and other materials to high temperatures.
***someone who cuts hair
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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2. Fill in the chart below in order to better understand the demands of each occupation in ancient Egypt.
After you’ve filled in the tasks and effects of the job, rank the occupations the way you think the father
would have. Make sure you include a reason for your ranking.
Occupation Job tasks
Effects of the Job
Dua-Khety’s Ranking (1=horrible,
2=undesirable, 3=so-so, 4-good, 5=best) and
reason for ranking
Coppersmith Make objects out
fingers became rough 2, because coppersmiths smelled bad and had
of metal
like a crocodile’s claw; scaly skin as a result of their job.
coppersmith’s smelled
worse than fish eggs
Barber
Cut hair
Works long hours,
begs on the street
for work, and works
only for survival
2 because a barber’s whole life revolved
around getting work. Barbers had no free
time, but had to work from sun up to sun
down.
Field Hand
Farms the fields
Must always shout,
hands ooze with
horrible scent, comes
home with no energy
2 because a field hand has no energy to relax
when he gets home.
Fisherman
Fishes the river
Works by a river that
is over run by
crocodiles, is always
scared of death, may
fall in to the river
and be eaten.
1 because fishermen can easily fall into the
river to their death. If they do not die, they
live their life in fear of dying.
Scribe
writes in
hieroglyphic text
(tomb inscriptions,
business
transactions,
communication,
etc.)
Scribes are their own
boss.
5 because scribes ‘ have safe jobs and they
are not treated like servants, they are
treated with respect.
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Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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3.Use the chart below to understand the meaning of this ancient text and analyze what it teaches us
about how education affected social structure in Ancient Egypt.
Text of Primary source
Meaning (summarize in your
Matter: What does this excerpt
tell us about how education
own words)
affected social structure in ancient
Egypt?
(lines 1-7)
1 It is to writings that you must set your
mind.
2 It saves one from work.
3 Behold, there is nothing that surpasses
writings!
4 I shall make you love books more than
your mother,
5 and I shall place their excellence
before you.
6 It is indeed greater than any office.
7 There is nothing like it on earth.
(copy lines 8-11)
8 …I have seen a coppersmith* at his
work
9 At the mouth of his furnace**,
10 With fingers were like the claws of
the crocodile,
11 and he stank more than fish eggs.
Writing, or being a scribe is
the best occupation in the
world because it does not
require physically tiring work.
This father wants his son to
love writing more than his own
mother.
Being a scribe is an amazing
opportunity and was respected
by society. It was important
for fathers to teach their son’s
about the value of education in
order to gain long term
happiness.
Metal workers had to work in
front of a hot furnace. They
developed rough, scaly skin and
smelled worse than fish eggs
because of their job.
Coppersmiths had difficult
lives. They either never had
the opportunity to go to school,
or did not take advantage of
the opportunity to go to school
and become a scribe.
answers will vary
answers will vary
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Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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4. Synthesize: Look back at the “matters” section above. What does this excerpt illustrate about social
structure in Ancient Egypt? Put this information together and make a claim about ancient Egyptian
society. Use an evidence sandwich to prove your point.
Claim
The Satire on the Trades shows how Ancient Egyptians believed working in the fields all
(yellow)
day did not leave room to enjoy life, while being a scribe provided more independence
and freedom from hardships.
Evidence
Line 19 of The Satire on the Trades states, “He [the field hand] reaches his house worn
(Direct
out, for the forced labor has ruined him.”
quote from
excerpt)
(orange)
Explanation
(red)
This shows that unlike a scribe, the field hand would reach his house worn out or tired
from toiling in the hot sun all day. Scribes, on the other hand, did not have to work
outside and could therefore return home with energy to enjoy life.
Rewrite your evidence sandwich about what the “Satire of the Trades” tells us about social structure in
Ancient Egypt.
The Satire on the Trades shows how Ancient Egyptians believed working in the fields all day
did not leave room to enjoy life, while being a scribe provided more independence and freedom from
hardships. Line 19 of The Satire on the Trades states, “He [the field hand] reaches his house worn
out, for the forced labor has ruined him.” This shows that unlike a scribe, the field hand would reach
his house worn out or tired from toiling in the hot sun all day. Scribes, on the other hand, did not have
to work outside and could therefore return home with energy to enjoy life.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
Egyptian, Thebes, Third Intermediate Period, Dynasties 25-26, ca. 660 B.C.
Limestone with polychrome
Museum purchase, M.H. de Young
Memorial Museum
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Analyzing Art
Title of Image: Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
Where object was found: Thebes (a city on the Nile in upper Egypt)
Material/Media: limestone
I. Observe
1. Sketch the relief in the space below. Include as many
details as possible:
Time Period: 660 BC, New Kingdom
4. What are the various jobs you see depicted in this tomb
relief?
-field hand
-fisherman
-servants
-cook
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
2. List observations of the relief in the space below:
-a figure is cleaning fish
-multi-colored fish
-hieroglyphic text
-a woman carrying grapes in a basket
-a woman carrying bread
-a figure walking
-this looks like one piece of a larger work
-it is made out of stone and was carved and painted in multiple
colors
3. What questions do you have about the relief?
-What does the hieroglyphic text mean?
-Who are the people in the object?
-Why are they preparing and carrying food?
-Who will eat the food?
-What is their position in society?
-Where was this object found?
-How was this object made?
5. How do you think this tomb relief was made? Describe the
process and people you think were necessary to make this.
-drawing and inscriptions were drafted by draftsman and
scribe
-limestone was quarried and brought to Thebes
-stone carver carved images on to limestone
-painter added color and detail to the relief
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II. Investigate: Read the “Get Smart with Art” text about the Relief. Take notes and answer the questions that follow.
1. Who was governor Ment? What was his job in Egypt?
Governor Ment was mayor of Thebes and governor of upper Egypt. He was in charge of the army, politics, and religion of
Upper Egypt. Governor Ment was also in charge of large building projects and restoring tombs.
2. Why was this relief made? What did Egyptians believe about tomb reliefs?
In addition to being a beautiful decoration in the governor’s tomb, this relief functioned as an offering to the god Amun from
governor Ment. Egyptians believed this relief also brought comfort to governor Ment’s ka in the afterlife by providing the
food and service depicted in the relief.
3. What are the men doing in this tomb relief? What are the women doing?
Illustrated in the top of this image is a man cleans a fish. In the bottom register and man and woman carry baskets of grapes,
cucumbers, lettuce, and bread.
4. What does the text tell us about Egypt’s strict class system? Why was it hard for poor people to become rich?
Egypt had a class system that was difficult to change. It was hard for poor people to become rich because they had little
opportunities to obtain jobs that paid well. They were mainly forced to take low paying jobs like the ones portrayed in the
relief.
III. Infer: What conclusions can you draw about Egyptian social structure after examining this relief and reading the Satire on the
Trades?
1. Think about Dua-Khety’s message to his son Pepy. What does he tell his son to do in order to not end up like one of the servants
illustrated on this wall relief?
He tells his son to go to school to learn how to write. He tells Pepy that to be a scribe is to have the best job.
2. What can we infer about social structure in ancient Egypt from studying this relief?
The relief shows us that social structure was divided in ancient Egypt. The people shown in this relief were there to serve
Governor Ment, but did not have tombs as elaborate as his for themselves.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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4. Synthesize: Look back at the notes you took above. How does the primary source Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet
reflect Egyptian beliefs and practices about the social structure and class in ancient Egypt? Put this information together and
make a claim about ancient Egyptian society. Use an evidence sandwich to prove your point.
Claim
The Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet shows that ancient Egyptians
believed in a strict class system in life and in the afterlife.
Evidence
(Direct quote
from excerpt
of “Get Smart
with Art”)
Explanation
The Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet depicts men and women preparing and carrying food. (The
hieroglyphic text states, “grapes for the fourth prophet of Amun.”)
This shows that food was being prepared for Governor Ment as an offering to the god Amun. This showed
that they believed people in higher classes like Governor Ment, would have servants preparing their food
even in the after life.*
*Teacher Note:
You may not have time to read the curriculum included in the “Get Smart with Art” binder, but if you do other information found
in the binder includes: Governor Ment was also known as the fourth prophet of Amun. Egyptians believed that someone in his
position and connection to the god Amun, should have servants like the ones illustrated in this relief. They thought that these
two dimensional representations of food and servants would become real in the afterlife in order to comfort their spirits.
In the space below, rewrite your evidence sandwich about what the “Satire of the Trades” tells us about social structure in
Ancient Egypt.
The Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet shows that ancient Egyptians believed in a strict class system in life and in
the afterlife. The Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet depicts men and women preparing and carrying food. This shows that
food was being prepared for Governor Ment as an offering to the god Amun. This showed that they believed people in higher
classes like Governor Ment, would have servants preparing their food even in the after life.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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(KEY)
V. Relationship between religion and social structure in ancient Egypt: Analytical Paragraph
Background:
The wall relief and excerpts from the Satire on the Trades tells us much about the social
structure and class system of ancient Egypt. The relief illustrates how the upper class of
Ancient Egypt were celebrated in daily life and honored in preparation for the afterlife. The
figures shown in the relief are servants to the governor and made up the largest part of
Egyptian society, the lower class.
The Satire on the Trades, shows how scribes, who had to be educated in ancient Egypt, had
more opportunities than other occupations, while lower classes were required to serve the elite
classes. The Satire on the Trades communicated that if you didn’t finish your education and
become a scribe, your other options were limited to undesirable occupations such as a field
hand, metal worker, or fisherman whose lives were filled with hardship and exhaustion.
Question/Prompt: How do the primary sources Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet and the
Satire on the Trades reflect Egyptian beliefs and practices about the social structure in ancient
Egypt?
Expectations:
 Use the primary and secondary sources we’ve discussed in class to write an analytical
paragraph
 If these sources show conflicting beliefs about social structure be sure to include
compare contrast language.
 Include a Thesis statement, at least two evidence sandwiches, and a concluding sentence
 Use the outline below to help you organize your ideas and construct draft sentences
 Finally re-write your paragraph on a separate piece of paper
Step 1: Thesis Development
 Rewrite the question in your own words:
What do the two primary sources we’ve examined teach us about what ancient Egyptians
thought about social class in ancient Egypt?

Look through the evidence we’ve examined. What are three ideas the primary sources
we’ve discussed tell us about social structure in ancient Egypt?
-social structure is static
-education results in social mobility
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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Step 3: Writing Frame
(KEY)
Use the evidence sandwiches you wrote about the Satire on the Trades and Relief from
Government Ment’s Tomb to draft a paragraph about social structure in ancient Egypt. It should
answer the prompt: How do the primary sources Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet and the
Satire of the Trades reflect Egyptian beliefs and practices about the social structure in ancient
Egypt?
Paragraph
Element
Thesis
Sentence:
answers the
prompt and
makes a claim
Evidence
Sandwich 1:
about the
Satire on the
Trades
Evidence
Sandwich 2:
about the
Relief from the
Tomb of
Mentuemhet
Conclusion:
restate thesis
and point to
further
implications
Draft sentence(s)
The Satire on the Trades and Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet illustrate
separate beliefs about social structure in ancient Egypt. While the Satire on
the Trades shows how it’s important to take advantage of an education in order
to have a better life, The Tomb Relief points out the realities of a strict class
system in ancient Egypt.
The Satire on the Trades shows how Ancient Egyptians believed working in the
fields all day did not leave room to enjoy life, while being a scribe provided more
independence and freedom from hardships. Line 19 of The Satire on the Trades
states, “He [the field hand] reaches his house worn out, for the forced labor has
ruined him.” This shows that unlike a scribe, the field hand would reach his house
worn out or tired from toiling in the hot sun all day. Scribes, on the other hand,
did not have to work outside and could there fore return home with energy to
enjoy life.
The Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet shows that ancient Egyptians believed
in a strict class system in life and in the afterlife. The Relief from the Tomb of
Mentuemhet depicts men and women preparing and carrying food. This shows
that food was being prepared for Governor Ment as an offering to the god Amun.
This showed that they believed people in higher classes like Governor Ment,
would have servants preparing their food even in the after life
In conclusion, in ancient Egypt people were limited in their career choices by a
strict class system. If an individual was not born into a higher class it was most
likely true that one would remain a laborer for life just like the servants
portrayed on the tomb relief. However, education and work toward being a
scribe was one way out of this system and source of mobility as written about in
the Satire on the Trades.
Rewrite your paragraph on a separate piece of paper.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
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The Satire on the Trades and Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet illustrate separate ideas
about social structure in ancient Egypt. While the Satire on the Trades shows how it’s important to
take advantage of an education in order to have a better life, The Tomb Relief points out the realities
of a strict class system in ancient Egypt. The Satire on the Trades shows how Ancient Egyptians
believed working in the fields all day did not leave room to enjoy life, while being a scribe provided
more independence and freedom from hardships. Line 19 of The Satire on the Trades states, “He
[the field hand] reaches his house worn out, for the forced labor has ruined him.” This shows that
unlike a scribe, the field hand would reach his house worn out or tired from toiling in the hot sun all
day. Scribes, on the other hand, did not have to work outside and could there fore return home with
energy to enjoy life. The Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet shows that ancient Egyptians believed
in a strict class system in life and in the afterlife. The Relief from the Tomb of Mentuemhet depicts
men and women preparing and carrying food. This shows that food was being prepared for Governor
Ment as an offering to the god Amun. This showed that they believed people in higher classes like
Governor Ment, would have servants preparing their food even in the after life. In conclusion, in
ancient Egypt people were limited in their career choices by a strict class system. If an individual was
not born into a higher class it was most likely true that one would remain a laborer for life just like the
servants portrayed on the tomb relief. However, education and work toward being a scribe was one way
out of this system and source of mobility as written about in the Satire on the Trades.
Ancient Civilizations in the Sixth Grade Curriculum Summer Institute
Lesson Application #3: Social Structure in Ancient Egypt by Amy Smith Stauffer
27