Sumerian society was divided into three main social classes: the upper class, the middle class, and the lower class.
The upper class consisted of the king, his family, and the nobility. They owned most of the land and controlled the government.
The middle class consisted of merchants, traders, and craftsmen. They were relatively well-off and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.
The lower class consisted of farmers, laborers, and slaves. They were the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.
Reasons for social stratification
There are several reasons why Sumerian society was divided into social classes.
* Economic factors: The upper class controlled most of the land and resources, which gave them a significant economic advantage over the other classes.
* Political factors: The king and the nobility had the power to make laws and decisions that affected all of society. This gave them a great deal of political influence.
* Social factors: The Sumerians believed that society was naturally hierarchical, with some people born to be leaders and others born to be followers. This belief helped to justify the existence of social classes.
Impact of social stratification
Social stratification had a significant impact on Sumerian society. It created a society in which there were great disparities in wealth and power. The upper class enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege, while the lower class lived in poverty and hardship. This inequality sometimes led to social unrest and conflict.
Decline of Sumer
The Sumerian civilization declined in the late 3rd millennium BCE. There are many factors that contributed to this decline, including climate change, economic problems, and political instability. Social stratification may also have played a role in the decline of Sumer. The inequality and conflict that it created may have weakened the society and made it more vulnerable to attack from outside forces.