What were the main powers and responsibilities of a Sumerian king?

To find information about the main powers and responsibilities of a Sumerian king, we can start by conducting a search on reliable sources such as scholarly articles or books. It's important to note that the Sumerian civilization existed around 4,000 to 2,400 BCE, so the available sources might be limited.

A good approach would be to search for books or articles specifically focused on Sumerian kingship or Sumerian civilization in general. Academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or library catalogs can be helpful in finding relevant sources.

Once you have gathered information, you can organize it into several main categories. Based on existing research, some key powers and responsibilities of Sumerian kings were:

1. Political Power: Sumerian kings held authority over city-states, making them the highest political authority. They dictated laws, enforced justice, and made important executive decisions.

2. Religious Functions: Sumerian kings also played a prominent role in the religious life of their city-states. They were perceived as intermediaries between the gods and the people, responsible for maintaining harmonious relationships with the divine. Kings organized religious ceremonies, made offerings to deities, and ensured the overall spiritual well-being of their kingdoms.

3. Military Leadership: Kings had the responsibility of providing military protection to their city-states. They were expected to lead armies in times of war, defend their territory against external threats, and ensure the safety and security of their subjects.

4. Economic Control: Sumerian kings exercised control over economic matters, including managing resources, overseeing trade, and regulating commerce. They were responsible for maintaining economic stability and ensuring the prosperity of their city-states.

5. Infrastructure Development: Kings played a crucial role in urban planning and infrastructure development. They oversaw the construction of monumental buildings, temples, walls, and canals, which were essential for the growth and prosperity of Sumerian cities.

It's important to keep in mind that the extent of these powers and responsibilities might have varied over time and between different Sumerian city-states. Additionally, new discoveries and ongoing research could provide further insights into the topic.

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