Similarities Between Egypt And Mesopotamia

The river societies of Egypt and Mesopotamia had much in common, since both relied on irrigation as the chief means of wheat production. However, differences in trade routes and means of production resulted in various social stratifications for the societies in question.

Egyptian society was highly stratified, with social status clearly displayed. Men managed the household alongside women and chose the heirs at will. Elders were consulted with and worshiped after death. Marriages were monogamous (although there were cases of bigamy and polygamy among the pharaohs) and did not require religious approval. The ancient Egyptians regarded men and women, people from all social classes except slaves, equal before the law, and even the an unpretentious

They received food for their service, captured trophies, but they never rose to high positions in the army. Below them were the artisans (weavers, painters, hairdressers, cooks, potters, sculptors, jewelers, blacksmiths etc), fully controlled by the state. They were attached to the temples, worked in shops and were paid directly from the state treasury. The peasants accounted for the majority of the population and were farmers, herders and fishermen. Despite the fact that they were producers of agricultural products, the harvest was owned by the state, temple, or a noble family that owned the land. The farmers were also subject to tax labor and had to work on irrigation and construction projects. They were also forced to facilitate transportation, and sometimes in the army. The lowest social classes at the base of the pyramid were the slaves ("hemuu" or "baku"). The slaves were considered human, enjoyed the protection of law, and could have their legitimate family and

They were comprised of senior royal and temple officials headed by the king, as well as merchants and usurers, and also of community members, the managing their independent households. Community members were the most significant part of the population, a development not evident in the Ancient Egypt. Social stratification within the community led to the development of the land lease and hiring workers. The law stipulated a variety of dependence forms of servitude to the lord, the children from the father (when son was sold into slavery). Debtors served as slaves for a maximum of 3 years and their right to be protected by