Who was in charge of a Mesopotamian city?

the priests and priestesses
a council of elites
a king
a patron god

1 answer

In a Mesopotamian city, the leadership typically fell to a king. While priests and priestesses held significant power and influence, particularly in religious matters, the king was often seen as the ultimate authority in governance, military, and administration. Additionally, a council of elites could also play a role in decision-making, but the king was usually the central figure in charge. The patron god of the city was revered and considered the divine protector, but the secular governance was typically under the king.