How did religon affect social order in Sumer?

http://www.sarissa.org/sumer/sumer_s.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumerian_religion

http://mysticways.wiki.zoho.com/Sumerian-Religion-and-Ritual.html

http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1329955320

Religion had a significant impact on the social order in ancient Sumer. Understanding this requires exploring the religious beliefs and practices of the Sumerians, as well as their societal structure. Here's how you can understand the influence of religion on social order in Sumer:

1. Explore Sumerian religious beliefs: Start by learning about the polytheistic nature of Sumerian religion. The Sumerians believed in multiple gods and goddesses who governed different aspects of life, such as agriculture, fertility, warfare, and the natural elements. These deities were worshipped through various rituals and offered prayers and sacrifices.

2. Understand the role of priests: In Sumer, priests held a central role in religious practices. They served as intermediaries between the people and the gods, performing ceremonies, interpreting omens, and providing advice to rulers based on their understanding of divine will. The priests' influence extended beyond religious matters, as they often played important roles in the government and administration as well.

3. Recognize the divine hierarchy: Sumerian religion had a complex hierarchy among gods, with certain deities considered more powerful or higher-ranking than others. For example, the god Enlil was regarded as the supreme deity, responsible for maintaining social order and enforcing moral values. As a result, the social order in Sumer was believed to be divinely ordained, and the king was seen as the representative of the gods on earth.

4. Explore the concept of ziggurats: Ziggurats, step-pyramid temples, were prominent structures in Sumerian cities. These were dedicated to specific deities and served as places of worship and connection between heaven and earth. The construction and maintenance of ziggurats were significant endeavors, often involving a substantial portion of the population. This further reinforced the role of religion and its impact on the social order.

5. Consider religious rituals and festivals: Sumerian society revolved around religious rituals and festivals. These events brought people together, fostering a sense of community and reinforcing societal norms and values. Festivals were occasions for the king to solidify his authority and for the general population to participate in communal celebrations.

By examining these aspects of Sumerian religion and society, you can better understand how religion influenced the social order by shaping beliefs, providing structure, and serving as the foundation for governance and community cohesion.