1. Farmers and Agricultural Laborers: This group formed a significant portion of the working class and was responsible for cultivating the land, growing crops, and managing livestock. They were often tied to the land they worked on, and their social status was relatively low.
2. Craftsmen and Artisans: This class included skilled workers such as potters, weavers, metalworkers, carpenters, and stonemasons. They produced various goods and crafts essential to society and were generally respected for their skills and expertise.
3. Merchants and Traders: This group engaged in trade, both locally and over long distances. They transported goods, organized caravans, and facilitated commercial transactions. Merchants and traders often had higher social status due to their economic power and influence.
4. Laborers and Unskilled Workers: This class consisted of individuals who performed manual labor, such as construction workers, porters, and cleaners. They were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and often had limited opportunities for advancement.
It's important to note that the social classes in Mesopotamia were not strictly defined, and there was some mobility between them. Wealth, education, and political connections could influence an individual's social status and enable them to rise in the social hierarchy.