Ancient Egypt Kahun and Dier el Medina

Priests in Dier el-Medina were just simple workmen and therefore there was nothing so special about them. Some women referred to as 'songstress' also served as priest. Sometimes priesthood lied in specific families (McDowell). Workmen used to pass their jobs to their sons making the job hereditary. However not every son would inherit the workman's position because of the stiff competition for the job. Tomb makers on the other hand were highly recognized because of their skills and were much respected by the administration. The village and artisans in Dier el Medina were organized into the left and right gangs. These two groups worked in different sides of the walls of the tombs under the supervision of a foreman. Members belonging to gangs were the richest in the society and their houses were very well furnished.

The rich men were buried in sacred tombs which were to be watched over by every member of the two gangs, storekeepers, priests, medjay and even the Vizier. The villagers also lived in close proximity to one another and could therefore watch every move their neighbors made. This also helped in the protection of the tombs where the rich were buried. Members of the gangs staged demonstrations against long periods of shortages to get the attention of some powerful leaders who could assist them (McDowell). For instance they could converge at a temple and call on any official passing by. The gang had 65 days of the calendar with which they could celebrate together with the rest of the population. The dead also had their own festival celebrated by annual pilgrimage to Abydos which was considered a sacred city (Romer). During the festival, nude girls were supposed to dance and entertain the guests. The guests were distinguished from the rest of the villagers by the kind of clothes they wore; white gossamer linens and rich brown wigs.

There was also the supply staff which was charged with the responsibility of supplying with important items like food, fuel and water. These people had no day off and did not live within the village (McDowell). The Egyptian King on the other side was considered as a god and received the best service from all those working within the Kingdom. The king's agents used to execute his will. The vigorous sovereign that existed ensured that there was a very efficient and loyal public service which was supposed to provide the king with all he needed. He was therefore considered a very important person in society and treated with respect.

From the nature of interaction, you get a hint that there were different classes of people within the society and the lower class was supposed to take care of the upper class. For instance the king was provided with all he needed by servants. This also gives a hint of the kind of law and order that existed in the society. There was a specific way of doing things and it had to be obeyed.