Question

The Sumerians were outstanding __________, with evidence of a Sumerian community in the Delta region of Egypt and as far away as Syria. Merchant convoys demanded organization, which came from the temples. Each of the great temples in a Sumerian city-state was run by a group of priests, among whom was a figure known as an __________. An en managed the economic and administrative side of the temple, instead of the ritual, religious side.

a) Architects
b) Traders
c) Explorers
d) Artisans

Answer 1

The Sumerians were notable traders and had communities as far as Syria and Egypt. The 'en' was a priestly role focused on the economic and administrative operations of Sumerian temples, crucial for trade and resource distribution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sumerians were outstanding traders, with evidence of a Sumerian community in the Delta region of Egypt and as far away as Syria. Merchant convoys required substantial organization, which was provided by the temples. Within each of the formidable temples in a Sumerian city-state, there was a cadre of priests tasked with its administration. Among these priests was a figure known as an en, who managed the economic and administrative aspects of the temple's functioning, rather than the ritual and religious side. The role of the en, critical for the redistribution of resources and the management of trade, highlights the complex interplay between economy and religion in Sumerian society.