Discuss The Relationship Between Mesopotamia And Humans

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The two ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt coexisted in the Mediterranean world, however some aspects of their cultures differed from one another. Both civilizations viewed humanity as an aid to their higher power or gods. The relations between humans in Mesopotamia was usually a violent conflict over power or land. Whereas, Egyptians lived peacefully amongst one another because everyone was willing to serve their role in society, no matter where it was. Mesopotamians believed gods created people to provide for them, and they also controlled nature in disastrous ways as a punishment for humanity. Egyptians also believed that they are here to serve their god, but instead of punishment, their god bestows gifts on them every year to …show more content…

In Mesopotamia, each Sumerian state had its own aristocracy. There was a king, from which priests were drawn under him. Half of the population was independent or owned their own land, leaving the rest dependent or slaves. All citizens were expected to serve their rightful god and do what was necessary for him and their society. However, the outcome was much different. Each state served its own god, which meant every state wanted to glorify their city above all the others. This inevitably caused a conflict between the people of Mesopotamia and lead to the constant violence in their society. To instill some order in their society, Hammurabi introduced his code of laws. Hammurabi states in Hammurabi’s Code of Laws, “When the god Marduk commanded me to provide just ways for the people…to attain appropriate behavior, I established truth and justice as the declaration of the land.” In his eyes Marduk entrusted him to corral his people into a social structure that would maintain balance between the classes and to ensure justice accordingly. Therefore, the people were to be serving their god through Hammurabi by following his code, which integrated a proper social class system with actions, and consequences of those

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