Question

explain the role(s) of kingship in ancient Sumerian society. In other words, one might ask, what were the duties of the king or what was a Sumerian king expected to do or what were some of the characteristics of kingship in Ancient Mesopotamia?

Answer 1

One of the most important characteristics of a Sumerian King is his divine power. It’s believed that the king is the representative of God thus leading all the religious rituals representing God himself.

Secondly, Sumerian King is expected to protect the country as the military leader. He would lead the army and plan the strategy of war in order to safeguard the territories from outside enemies and internal tensions.

Thirdly, the king would formulate laws, rules and regulations of the land thus exhibiting his power in controlling and regulating citizens, business and other policies within and outside the country.

Finally, the king is the primary judge thus acting as the executing agency of the laws. He would appoint the judges across the land to ensure that they act on behalf of him. He also had the power to provide justice in strong disputes which were not resolved by the judges he appointed.