Kush's Social Classes
Kush's social hierarchy was similar to Egypt's. The general idea was the same, but there were some minor changes and levels. The main order was pharaohs on top, nobles, craftsmen and artisans, and farmers, laborers, and slaves at the bottom. In Kush's empire, there were a few more steps to add. Instead of having a broad noble class, it was split up into viziers and high priests, royal governors, and district governors. A vizier was a pharoah's personal attendant and a tax collector. The vizier and the high priest, one who controlled the temples, were one step higher than the other nobles. After the viziers come the royal governers. The royal governors worked directly with the pharaoh, helping with lawmaking and taxes. Just a step below were the district governors, who ruled the districts and towns of Kush. They carried on the rules and laws of the royal governors. Scribes were on the third level of the metaphorical pyramid, and they were the most honored besides the pharaoh and the nobles. The scribes were educated, and they recorded events in the Kush empire. Artisans, or craftsmen, were much appreciated in both Egypt and Kush. They crafted pots, woven art, ad paintings. Their work could not be signed, as most artisans worked within groups, and most projects were collaborations. At the bottom were farmers and laborers. They worked on construction projects and grew crops. There were many smaller sub classes between the larger, broader levels.