Question

The Sumerian king was usually the most powerful and ________ man in the kingdom?

Answer 1

The Sumerian king was the most powerful and influential man in the kingdom, responsible for leading in battle, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring the favor of gods through religious and administrative duties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sumerian king was usually the most powerful and influential man in the kingdom. In ancient Mesopotamia, kingship was viewed as a divine right and was intimately linked with the religious beliefs of the time. According to Sumerian creation myths, kingship "descended from heaven," and the order of rulers was determined by the gods. A Sumerian ruler, or lugal, was obligated to lead in battle, maintain the city's infrastructure, and ensure the favor of the gods through temple building and offerings. With titles such as en, lugal, or ensi, the king was not only a political leader but also a high priest, responsible for justice and religious rituals that ensured prosperity.

Answer 2

The Sumerian king was usually the most powerful and influential man in the kingdom, holding both religious and political authority, and often considered divine or divinely appointed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sumerian king was usually the most powerful and influential man in the kingdom. These rulers, often referred to as lugals, had numerous responsibilities, including leading in battle, ensuring the favor of the gods, overseeing infrastructure such as city walls and irrigation canals, and enforcing justice. Kingship was considered a divine ordinance, with the belief that the king was chosen by the gods or, in some cases, was considered partly divine themselves. This was reflected in their role as both religious and political leaders, underlining their supreme status within Mesopotamian society.