Social Organization Of Mesopotamia

Priests
On top of the social structure in Mesopotamia were priests. Mesopotamian culture did not recognize one god but worshipped different deities, and the priests were thought to have manysupernatural powers. In addition to serving in religious ceremonies they tended to the sick, pacified angry gods and governed with laws that they thought kept the gods happy. An additional important task forthe priests was to act as record keepers for the king. Priests had shaved heads and dressed in sheep's wool cloaks.

Upper-Class
Upper-class people in Mesopotamia consisted of nobility and therich. Some government officials and wealthy landowners and merchants were included in this class. The upper-classes dressed in fine cloths and wore expensive jewelry, and men showed their social statusby wearing a long hair and beard. Women wore off the shoulder dresses and either braided their hair or wore fancy ornaments on their heads. Upper-class people commonly owned slaves who did manuallabor, including all household work.

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Lower-Class
The lower class inMesopotamia consisted of people who got paid for their work. This included professions such as fishermen, pottery makers and farmers. Even though Mesopotamian society was not equal, everybody had topay for goods or services, even the king. Lower-class people owned their own homes and could afford some modest luxuries, like wearing jewelry. They could also move up in the social structure bybecoming a priest or acquiring large wealth. Punishments were hard for any crimes committed, and if a lower class man fell into debt, he could pay off the debt by selling his wife and children intoslavery.

Slaves
In Mesopotamia slavery was commonplace and was considered the lowest class in social structure. Slaves, most often war prisoners or criminals, did not get paid for their work, but...