How did the Sumerians view the concept of monarchy and government?

The Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia between 4000 and 2000 BCE, had a complex and sophisticated system of government. Although they are often credited with inventing the concept of kingship, their view of monarchy was quite different from our modern understanding of the term.

For the Sumerians, the king was not an absolute ruler with unlimited power, but rather a servant of the people who governed according to the will of the gods. The king was seen as a mediator between the gods and the people, responsible for maintaining harmony and justice in society.

The Sumerian government was divided into city-states, each with its own ruler and administrative structure. The rulers of these city-states were responsible for maintaining public infrastructure, organizing trade and commerce, and providing for the welfare of their citizens.

In addition to kingship, the Sumerians had a number of other forms of government, including councils of elders and assemblies of citizens. These institutions played an important role in the decision-making process, and helped to ensure that power was distributed evenly throughout society.

Overall, the Sumerians viewed government as a necessary and beneficial institution, one that was essential for maintaining order and prosperity in society. While their views on monarchy may seem foreign to us today, they laid the groundwork for many of the political ideas and institutions that we take for granted in modern times.

The Sumerians viewed the concept of monarchy and government as a divine right. They believed that the gods had chosen certain individuals to rule over them, and that these individuals were responsible for carrying out the will of the gods. The Sumerians also believed that the king was a representative of the gods on Earth, and that he was responsible for ensuring the well-being of his people.

The Sumerians believed that the king was chosen by the gods to rule over them. This belief is evident in the Sumerian creation myth, Enuma Elish. In this myth, the gods create the world and then decide to create a king to rule over it. They choose Enlil, the god of the air, to be the king. Enlil is then given the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of the gods and the people.

The Sumerians also believed that the king was a representative of the gods on Earth. This belief is evident in the Sumerian literature. In many Sumerian poems, the king is referred to as the "son of god" or the "god's favorite." The king is also often depicted as being in direct communication with the gods. For example, in the poem "The Descent of Inanna," the goddess Inanna descends into the underworld to visit her sister Ereshkigal. While in the underworld, Inanna is killed by Ereshkigal. However, Inanna's husband, the god Dumuzi, is able to rescue her from the underworld. In order to do this, Dumuzi must agree to take Inanna's place in the underworld. However, the gods eventually agree to let Dumuzi return to Earth for half of the year. This story illustrates the belief that the king was a representative of the gods on Earth.

The Sumerians also believed that the king was responsible for ensuring the well-being of his people. This belief is evident in the Sumerian laws. The Sumerian laws were designed to protect the rights of the people and to ensure that they were treated fairly. The laws also made it clear that the king was responsible for ensuring the safety and security of his people. For example, one of the Sumerian laws states that "if a man kills another man, he shall be put to death." This law illustrates the belief that the king was responsible for ensuring the safety and security of his people.