The average Egyptian merchant living in Ancient times owned a mud brick house, but would often travel to other nearby countries in order to trade. Some merchants would exchange native products like gold, papyrus, linen cloth, and jewelry for cedar, ebony wood, and panther skins.
The merchants would return to Egypt to trade these items to the high class in exchange for grains and other goods. Farmers and fisherman could double as a merchant and sell their fish and other produce at the local market. Merchants spent most of their time in the sun and were required to wear human hair wigs, and protective makeup. http://egyptiansocialstructure.blogspot.com/2012/09/pharaoh.html Craftsmen
Good craftsmen were appreciated in ancient Egypt. They usually lived comfortable lives. They were used to build or craft objects from jewlery to tables and even boats. Although some craftsmen were hired to sculpt statues for pharaohs, they were not allowed to sign their work ever. Nowadays, we appreciate unique and creative types of art and buildings, however in Ancient Egypt craftsmen were not allowed to be creative. They were judged on how traditional they could make art look instead of how new and different. Craftsmen were not paid with money but with goods such as grain, vegetables, fish, milk and firewood.
Questions Title: Merchants and Craftsmen
How did merchants make their money?
How did craftsmen help society?
Which job sounds more interesting? Give me 2 reasons.
How did the craftsmen and merchants rely on each other?