Ancient Egypt for Kids
Professions and Occupations

There were many professions in ancient Egypt, most of which were inherited jobs. For the most part, whatever job your father had, you had. If he was a farmer, when you grew up, you would become a farmer. Other inherited jobs included doctors, teachers, bakers, fishermen, herders, boatmen, and traders. But just because your father was a doctor, you still had to go to school and learn at the House of Life.

There were a couple of professions that could help you move up the social ladder if you did not inherit an occupation from your father. One was to become a scribe, the people who wrote things down. The other was to become a craftsman or an artist if you were talented.

Anyone could join the army. Thanks to Egypt's natural barriers, Egypt had little need for a large army. The army protected the delta region and the area to the south. They army also settle local differences.

Social Classes - the Social Scale

Education in ancient Egypt

Scribes and Scribe School in Ancient Egypt

Priests in Ancient Egypt

Doctors and Research

Nobles and Administrators

The Vizier - highest position in ancient Egypt except for the Pharaoh

The Army - Soldiers in Ancient Egypt

Craftsmen & Artists in Ancient Egypt

Merchants, the Egyptian Marketplace

Traders

Farmers in Ancient Egypt

Slaves