In 3-5 sentences compare and contrast the social organization of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
1 answer
The social organization of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia shared some similarities but also displayed notable differences. Both civilizations were hierarchical, with a small ruling elite at the top, followed by a middle class of priests, bureaucrats, and merchants, and a majority lower class of farmers, laborers, and slaves. However, in Egypt, a centralized bureaucracy and strict social stratification were more pronounced, while in Mesopotamia, power was often fragmented among city-states and social mobility was slightly more possible. Additionally, while both societies had a strong religious component, Egypt’s religious beliefs and practices played a more prominent role in everyday life than those in Mesopotamia.