The pharaoh of Egypt represented the entire nation, and in turn the entire nation of Egypt worked in his service. In this way, the everyday tasks carried out by ordinary people all made up a single, immense community effort, devoted to the greater glory of a single human being. These tasks were carefully prescribed by rules and traditions, learned while a youngster was still under instruction from parents and teachers. Up and down the Nile valley, there were hundreds of roles to fill and functions to carry out, but the most essential jobs were carried out by four classes: scribes, doctors, soldiers, and slaves.

The Schooling of a Scribe

The children of scribes were expected to follow in the footsteps of their fathers. These children enjoyed the privilege...