Which best describes the political development of early Mesopotamian civilization? Because of direct links to dead ancestors and to the supreme god, a warrior class emerged to rule cities and agricultural villages. Self-governing city-states with agricultural territories appeared, led by the lugal in times of war and peace. An increase in farming village populations led to a local form of kingship, which spurred conquests of surrounding villages. A system of hereditary occupational groups dominated by priests became centered in two major urban areas.