Ancient history

Why were the temples most important buildings in Sumerian city-states?

Temples were the most important buildings in Sumerian city-states because they were the centers of religious life. The Sumerians were a polytheistic people, and they believed that their gods lived in the temples. The temples were also used for religious ceremonies and rituals, and they were often the sites of important political events.

In addition to their religious significance, temples also played an important role in the economic and social life of Sumerian city-states. The temples were often the largest landowners in the city-state, and they controlled a significant portion of the city-state's wealth. The temples also provided employment for a large number of people, including priests, scribes, and other workers.

The temples were also important centers of learning and culture. The priests were often the most educated people in the city-state, and they were responsible for teaching the young people about the Sumerian religion, history, and culture. The temples were also home to libraries, which contained collections of religious texts, historical records, and other important documents.

Overall, the temples were the most important buildings in Sumerian city-states because they were the centers of religious, economic, social, and cultural life.