Egyptian+Society

=Egyptian Society during the Ramesside period, Dynasties XIX and XX =

- Syllabus Content -  Map - Pharaohs - Past Questions - Oral Presentations -

Part II Ancient Societies: Option C Egypt: Society in New Kingdom Egypt during the Ramesside Period, Dynasties XIX and XX
Principal Focus: The investigation of key features of New Kingdom society during the Ramesside period, through a range of archaeological and written sources and relevant historiographical issues

Students learn about:


 * 1 The geographical environment**
 * geographical setting, natural features and resources of New Kingdom Egypt and its neighbours
 * significant sites: Memphis, Thebes, Per-Ramesses, Deir el-Medina, Abu Simbel, Valleys of the Kings and Queens


 * 2 Social structure and political organisation**
 * roles and images of the pharaoh; concept of maat
 * roles of the vizier and members of the religious, administrative and military elites
 * nature and role of the army
 * roles and status of women: royal and non-royal
 * scribes, artisans and agricultural workers


 * 3 The economy**
 * importance of the Nile: agriculture, animal husbandry, transport
 * crafts and industry: wood, stone and metal
 * economic exchange: unit of value (deben), taxation, tribute and trade
 * technological development: tools, building materials, techniques and construction, shadouf
 * workers’ strike, tomb robberies and corruption


 * 4 Religion, death and burial**
 * gods, goddesses, cults and priesthoods: Amun, Re, Ptah, Osiris
 * personal religion: magic and personal piety
 * festivals: Opet, Beautiful Feast of the Valley, Heb-Sed Festival
 * funerary customs: afterlife concepts and mummification
 * funerary texts: The Book of the Dead and the Am Duat (Book of What is in the Netherworld), The Book of Gates
 * temples: architecture and function: Karnak, Luxor, the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu
 * tombs: architecture and decoration: Thebes, Memphis, Deir el-Medina


 * 5 Cultural life**
 * art: sculpture, jewellery and wall paintings
 * writing and literature: love poetry, The Tale of the Two Brothers, Horus and Seth, The Report of Wenamun


 * 6 Everyday life**
 * daily life and leisure activities
 * food and clothing
 * housing and furniture
 * occupations