Ancient Mesopotamia, “the land between the rivers” was the world’s first civilization. This region that lay along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in modern-day Iraq is also nicknamed the “Fertile Crescent” for its crescent moon shape and cultivable land. Learn more with Storyboard That!
G.R.A.P.E.S.: Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Life.
This storyboard explains the social life and hierarchy of ancient Mesopotamia.
Storyboard Text
SOCIAL STRUCTURE IN MESOPOTAMIA
Early on, priests held the most power but as city-states expanded, secular Kings were at the top of the social pyramid. Priests became advisors who communicated with the gods. The upper class had government officials and scribes. The middle class had soldiers and workers like craftsmen, merchants, civil servants, and women who were educated or priestesses. The lower class had farmers, laborers, and women who did housework or weaving. Enslaved people had no rights.
FARMERS, LABORERS AND WOMEN
CRAFTSMEN, MERCHANTS, CIVIL SERVANTS, WOMEN WHO WERE PRIESTESSES OR NOBILITY