HIST 10A TTh
September 15, 2010
Comparing Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamian Societies
Although the Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies were thriving at approximately the same
time period, between c.3000 BC and c.500 BC, there were numerous differences in the cultures
of the two empires including religion, their class systems, and the roles of their kings. Religion,
class systems, and kings played a vast role in the daily lives of these citizens, but both of the
empires came up with two different kinds of societies with various similarities.
In Mesopotamia the kings were â€œfavored agents of the godsâ€ (Civilization in the West
pg. 17) ...view middle of the document...
Both Egypt and Mesopotamia had Polytheistic religions. In Egypt â€œdivine
kingship was the cornerstone of Egyptian life. Initially, the king was the incarnation of Horus, a
sky and falcon god. Later, the king was identified with the sun god Ra, as well as with Osirisâ€
(Civilization in the West pg. 20).
Ancient Egyptian social structure was based on slaves and servants, then in order
farmers, artisans, merchants, scribes, soldiers, government officials, and then the supreme ruler
was the pharaoh. In the early days of Mesopotamia the priest kings would lead the army and be
the middle man between the civilians and the gods. Later there would be 3 major social groups.
The upper class included King, government official, priests, wealthy merchants, and wealthy
land owners. The middle class included farmers, fisherman, artisans, and scribes. The lower
class included slaves and prisoners. There were many similarities between these two great