Why did priests play an important role in Sumerian city states

Answer 1

Priests played an important role in Sumerian city-states for several reasons:

1. Religious authority: Priests were considered the intermediaries between the gods and humans. They were responsible for maintaining a direct connection to the deities and performing rituals and ceremonies to ensure the gods' favor and protection of the city.

2. Political power: The priests held significant political power as they had the ability to communicate with the gods and predict the future through divination practices. This made them influential in decision-making processes and allowed them to exert control over the ruling elite.

3. Economic control: Temples were the economic centers of Sumerian cities, often holding vast amounts of wealth in the form of land, livestock, and resources. Priests managed these resources and oversaw agricultural production, trade, and redistribution of wealth, providing economic stability to the city-state.

4. Education and intellectual advances: Priests were the primary educators and keepers of knowledge in Sumerian society. They were responsible for the preservation and transmission of religious texts, scientific knowledge, law codes, and other cultural and historical records, ensuring the continuity of Sumerian civilization.

5. Social and moral guidance: Priests played a crucial role in maintaining the social order by enforcing religious laws and moral codes. They contributed to the cohesion of society by officiating marriages, settling disputes, and providing spiritual advice and guidance to the citizens.

Overall, priests played an integral role in all aspects of Sumerian city-states, combining religious, political, economic, educational, and social functions, making them essential figures in the civilization.