What was the government like in Mesopotamia and how was that power passed down from each generation
The government in Mesopotamia was generally characterized by a city-state political organization. Each city-state had its own ruler or king who held ultimate power and authority. The earliest known form of government in Mesopotamia was the city-state of Sumer, which emerged around 3000 BCE.
In Sumerian city-states, the king was viewed as the intermediary between the gods and the people. The king's role extended beyond mere governance, as he was also responsible for maintaining the city's relationship with the deities through religious rituals. He was believed to derive his authority to rule from the gods themselves.
Power in Mesopotamia was predominantly hereditary, with the ruler's eldest son succeeding him as the next king. This system of dynastic succession ensured continuity, as it allowed for a smooth transfer of power from generation to generation within a ruling family.
However, this does not mean that the transition was always peaceful or uncontested. Rival claimants, ambitious nobles, and external threats could lead to power struggles or the overthrow of a ruling dynasty. Military might and the support of influential nobles were often crucial in maintaining a ruler's grip on power.
It is important to note that the specific details of governmental structure and power succession could vary among different city-states and empires over the long history of Mesopotamia. Additionally, the power dynamics and governance systems evolved over time, influenced by factors such as conquests, external influences, cultural changes, and technological advancements.