Egypt and Mesopotamia A Societal and Religious Comparison...

The Egyptian and Mesopotamian religion and society were similar, but their government system was different. The religions in Egypt and Mesopotamia were similar because both were polytheistic, had beliefs of an afterlife, as well as priests who were part of the upper levels of the social hierarchy. Social similarities between Egypt and Mesopotamia included: rigid social structure, dependence on slavery, and authoritative religious structure. However, the system of government was different because Egyptian society was governed by a theocratic monarchy, while Mesopotamia was ruled by a traditional monarchy. Mesopotamian and Egyptian religions shared two key similarities: polytheism and priestly authority. The religions in Mesopotamia and†¦show more content†¦Both societies also permitted slavery which was not based on race, but on those who were captured in battle. Both also had their own religion with their own customs and beliefs. In Mesopotamia, the priests and the king were part of the upper class, the merchants and artisans were part of middle class, the farmers and the laborers made up the lower-middle class, and the slaves were the lowest class. In Egypt, the highest class consisted of the pharaoh, the priests were part of the upper-middle, merchants and artisans were part of the middle, and the lower class consisted of farmers and laborers. The lowest class consisted of the slaves who were captured in battle. It is important to note that slavery was based on prisoners captured in battes and not on race. Thus, despite the similarities, both societies also had unique characteristics for their own religion and beliefs. Mesopotamia and Egypt had different types of governance. In Mesopotamia, the government was a monarchy, whereas the Egyptian government was a theocracy. The difference is that in an Egyptian theocracy, society was ruled by a king who was worshipped and considered a god-like figure. A monarchy is a government ruled by a king or mili tary ruler. In Mesopotamians society, priests held the most power, until military leaders came to power due to the arising dangers of attack. Military leaders promised protection and power to Mesopotamians. The Mesopotamians believed thatShow MoreRelatedComparing The River Valley Civilizations1509 Words   |  7 Pagesprimary river valley civilizations. The river valley civilizations are composed of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China. While each of these civilizations is unique in their habits and traditions, they share many similar qualities. For this work to be as comprehensive as possible, the primary focus will be on comparing and analyzing the cultures and ambiance, or environments, political organization and religious beliefs, and social structures of each society. The following categories are goingRead MoreA Study Of Gender Relations Essay2350 Words   |  10 PagesEastern cultures of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Hatti. The cultures of Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt were in a constant state of evolution. The Near East produced many of the world’s earliest civilizations and through military campaigns and trade its developments from governmental precedents to social structures were spread to other areas. It was therefore the setting for the first wheel and the first government as well as other â€Å"innumerable firsts.† Egypt as well as Mesopotamia was swift to implementRead MoreBusiness Environment of Pre-British India13645 Words   |  55 Pages................................................................ 52 Pre-Historic India Palaeolithic Man / Old Stone Age In the old-stone age, human beings were in a very primitive stage of civilization. (Social) They performed certain magical religious rites, including human sacrifice. Their food mainly consisted of fruits, nuts and the flesh of wild beasts. (Technological) They knew neither the use of metals nor the art of cultivation. They never constructed homes, but lived in natural cavernsRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 PagesCongress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Edmonds, Ennis Barrington. Rastafari : from outcasts to culture bearers / Ennis Barrington Edmonds. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-19-513376-5 1. Rastafari movement. 2. Jamaica—Religious life and customs. I. Title. BL2532.R37 E36 2002 299†².676—dc21 2002074897 v To Donnaree, my wife, and Donnisa, my daughter, the two persons around whom my life revolves; and to the ancestors whose struggles have enabled us to survive and