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Mesopotamia Social classes The role of social classes was very important because it makes up the base of Mesopotamia. These classes differentiate between the rich and the poor and make up the social structure of a city. If there were no classes then there would be no difference between the rich and the poor. It was necessary to have social classes because everyone was not equal in power and status. People had to do their jobs according to the social class they belong to. The highest classes in Mesopotamia were the Kings and priests. Next came the Middle class, it was further divided into upper middle class and lower middle class. The upper middle class includes soldiers, scribes and merchants. The lower middle class includes farmers, artisans and fishermen. Finally there were the lower social class, which holds the slaves and the prisoners. Higher Class Characteristics of Social classes Priests: Religion The priests were at the very top of the social pyramid because they were the closest to the gods and people of Mesopotamia respected them. They believed in many gods and did many rituals to please their gods. These people were very special because priests were the only people who can perform rituals in ziggurats. Everyone worshipped the gods but the priests were more religious and they spent more time worshipping than others in the civilization. The priest was the only class who were allowed to enter a ziggurat. (Ziggurat was form of temple). Mesopotamia Social classes Kings: Law Kings were responsible for creating new laws and to maintain power. Kings were special because they ruled the place and lived in expensive houses, near the ziggurats. Kings maintained stability in Mesopotamia and were known to wear luxury clothes. They were responsible to make sure they made suitable and correct laws that helped the citizens. The Mesopotamians believed their kings were human gods but, unlike the ancient Egyptians, they never believed their kings were real spiritual gods. The kings did not perform rituals like the priests but they worshipped the gods they believed. There were hundreds of gods that the people believed in. These gods were responsible for rain, sunlight, food production and others. Ziggurats, ancient temples in which priests performed rituals. Middle Class: Upper middle Class and Lower Middle Class Mesopotamia Social classes Soldiers and Scribes: War and business Upper Middle class The soldiers were the brave men who protected their city and were loyal to king. Outsiders and other civilizations were known to attack because they wanted the land and resources. The army was equipped with many weapons and shields. Mesopotamian were known for their javelins and amazing archers. The Mesopotamians army was not only powerful in weapons but they made tactics to overcome their enemy. Only the rich family’s boys and noble were allowed to become a soldier. In some cases prisoners were trained as soldiers. Also there were the scribes (writers). Being a scribe was a very important job and was respected by everyone. Only a wealthy boy could go to school. He can go to school for about 12 years and in that period he would learn how to write. These people recorded business information on tablets (stone). Stone that contains information from the scribes Mesopotamia Social classes Traders, craftsmen and Farmers Lower middle class The middle class was the traders, and craftsmen. They spent their days making and selling items to send to other places. They sell and trade food, clothes and weapons. Merchants and traders were considered as one of the most important jobs in Mesopotamia because they were required to trade and gain money. Mesopotamia was in the middle of two river valleys and these rivers brought many traders from foreign lands. The river is an important resource because it brings fresh water to drink and provides important trade routes. Lower Social Class Slaves The slaves were at the bottom of the social pyramid. They were the poorest and the weakest in the society. When one civilization conquered another, they brought back prisoners. Captured prisoner had to work as slaves for the upper class. These people had to work hard in the fields and get nothing in return. The slaves used to do hard labor and were mistreated too. Roles of Women Women were not required to do a job. Mostly all women were house wives. Young girls helped their mother to do chores. They learned to weave clothes and cook. Once they grow up they got married. Once married they take care of house chores as well as of their husband and children. Mesopotamia Social classes Features (part c and d) If I was to control Mesopotamia, then I would make 5 great changes to the social classes’ structure. The first thing I will change is that, kings will perform religious rituals and the priests will accompany them. Second, is that the traders will require to travel more to reach new lands, to trade and to create new ties for future help. The third change is that all women will have to do a job. The forth change is that education is a must to every children. Girls and boys that belong to any class need to attend school. The final change is that the majority of the prisoners will become farmers, so that the food production will increase. My changes will bring many advantages and benefits to the Mesopotamians. I have enforced the basics, such as education and trade. All the features that I have implied are very important to ancient Mesopotamia. With education the society will be more civilized. Learning will give Mesopotamians new ideas for survival. Also creating new ties with other lands will benefit us in the future. Creating new trade routes will increase our business and help us economically. These factors will make us stronger those other civilizations. Outsiders and traders will like to come to Mesopotamia because they would like to trade with us and to see our temples. People would like to come to us for creating ties and to buy our resources, such as food and minerals. Mesopotamia Social classes Xc “Come no further! You are entering Mesopotamia”. Soreces: Book/Anceint mesopotamia history 1 http://landbetweentherivers.weebly.com