(a) In each civilization, society was divided into different social groups, broadly categorized into the aristocracy, the nobility, the middle classes and the common people, the priestly class and lastly the slaves.

(b) In India, the caste system prevailed, dividing the society into Kshatriyas (warriors), Brahmans (priests), Vaishyas (farmers) and Sudras. The first two castes enjoyed a privileged status. The Sudras were treated as slaves. Different laws and punishments were applicable to the different classes, thereby encouraging inequalities in society.

(c) The ancient Chinese society, headed by the Emperor, was also stratified. Below the ruler were five classes namely: (i) the intellectuals, (ii) mer­chants. (iii) Artisans, (iv) farmers, (v) slaves. As in India, the intellectual class received great respect in China but whereas the Bahamans were born to their caste, the intellectuals of China were selected through a rigorous education and examination system. Unlike India, soldiers were given a low status in China, whose army consisted of prisoners of barbaric tribes.

(d) In Iran, the aristocracy consisting of the King, the nobility and owners occupied positions of status. The peasants and slaves plaited and lived miserably.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

(e) Greek cities were made up of different social groups. Some of these were free; others were slaves. Among free men, there were a difference citizens and non-citizens. Only citizens had the right to participate in Assemblies, become Magistrates, fight in wars and own land.

(f) Roman society was divided into two classes, namely, (i) The Patricians and (ii) The Plebeians. The Patricians were the aristocracy and the plebeians were the common people like workers, farmers and traders. The plebeians were denied rights, were heavily taxed and punished.

(g) An apparent similarity between all the civilizations was that upper sections of society lived luxuriously and prosperously at the expense of the rest of the population, which was severely oppressed and deprived rights, and lived in poverty.