In 3-5 sentences, compare and contrast the social organization of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
1 answer
Both ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were characterized by hierarchical social structures, but their social organization differed in various ways. In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was considered divine and held absolute power, with a rigid social hierarchy consisting of nobles, priests, and commoners. In Mesopotamia, power was more centralized in the hands of kings, who were seen as representatives of the gods; the social structure was more flexible, with a greater middle class and distinct social classes for craftsmen, merchants, and farmers. Additionally, while both civilizations believed in the afterlife, the Egyptian emphasis on preserving the body through mummification and building grand tombs was far more elaborate compared to Mesopotamian burial practices.