Social Structure (Sumerians, Egyptians, Romans)

• What type of government did the Sumerians have?

  Theocratic
• From whom did Sumerian kings believe they derived their power?

  From the gods
• What was the most prominent building in Sumerian cities?

  The ziggurat
• What was the purpose of the ziggurat in Sumerian society?

  It was dedicated to the chief god or goddess
• Who conquered the Sumerians and united them under one ruler?

  Sargon
• Who conquered the Sumerians again after Sargon?

  Hammurabi, King of the Babylonians
• What was the social structure of the Sumerians?

  • Elites
  • Dependent commoners
  • Farmers
  • Merchants
  • Craftspeople
  • Scribes
  • Slaves
• What natural features contributed to the isolation of the Egyptians?

  Natural barriers
• What are the three periods of Egyptian history?

  • Old Kingdom
  • Middle Kingdom
  • New Kingdom
• How were pharaohs viewed in the Old Kingdom of Egypt?

  As inaccessible god-kings
• How were pharaohs portrayed in the Middle Kingdom of Egypt?

  As shepherds of their people
• What was the social structure of the Egyptians?

  • Pharaoh and royal family
  • Nobles and priests
  • Soldiers
  • Farmers
  • Merchants
  • Artisans
  • Slaves
• What geographical feature did the Romans inhabit?

  A peninsula extending 750 miles north to south
• How did the Etruscan influence affect Rome?

  It led to the merging of Rome as a city
• What was the government system before the Roman Republic?

  Monarchy
• Who were the two government leaders in the Roman state?

  The praetors and consuls
• What are the two main social classes in Rome?

  Patricians and Plebeians
• What are the characteristics of Patricians in Roman society?

  • Upper class
  • Aristocratic governing class
  • Wealthy and powerful
  • Held most political power
  • Original ruling class of Rome
  • Often served in important government positions
• What are the characteristics of Plebeians in Roman society?

  • Consisted of artisans, merchants, farmers, and less wealthy landowners
  • Intermarriage with Patricians was not allowed
  • Could not be elected as officials but could vote
  • Sought political and social equality with Patricians
  • Had Tribunes/Council of Plebs to pass laws
  • Were permitted to become consuls