Final answer:
The four primary social classes in Neo-Assyrian society were the nobles, professionals, peasants, and the enslaved, with the nobility at the top of the hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social class system in the Neo-Assyrian society consisted of several layers with distinct roles and privileges. Answering the student's question, the four primary social classes in Neo-Assyrian society were a. nobles, professionals, peasants, the enslaved. The nobility stood at the top of this hierarchy, controlling vast estates and receiving comprehensive education to prepare for elite roles within the empire such as military officers, governors, and high-ranking priests. Below the nobility were the professionals, who had specialized skills and were imperative to the administration and functioning of the empire. The peasants formed the backbone of the Assyrian agricultural economy, while the enslaved occupied the lowest tier, lacking freedom and often subjected to forced labor.
Understanding the social structure of ancient civilizations like the Assyrians provides insight into how power and resources were distributed and how individuals' lives were shaped by their societal status.