1. Religious Leadership:
- Priests served as intermediaries between the gods and the people.
- They performed religious rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices to appease and honor the deities.
- They interpreted the divine will and offered guidance to the king, the ruling elite, and the general populace on religious matters.
2. Administration of Temples:
- Priests were responsible for the management and administration of temples, which served as centers of worship, education, and economic activities.
- They supervised the temple staff, including musicians, singers, and scribes.
- They were involved in the collection and distribution of temple revenues, including offerings and tithes from the community.
3. Education:
- Temples played a significant role in education, and priests served as teachers and scholars.
- They educated young men from elite families in various disciplines, including reading, writing, mathematics, astronomy, and religious texts.
- Scribes, who were trained in temples, held important positions in administration, trade, and diplomacy.
4. Divination and Prophecy:
- Priests were skilled in divination, which involved interpreting signs, omens, and dreams to predict future events.
- They made prophecies and offered advice based on their divinations, influencing political decisions and military strategies.
5. Political Involvement:
- Priests often held positions of political power and were influential in decision-making.
- They advised the king on religious and political matters, as well as interpreted divine messages for guidance in governance.
- In some cases, priests could sogar wield significant political authority and influence the succession of rulers.
6. Social Welfare:
- Temples were centers of social welfare, and priests played a role in providing assistance to the needy.
- They distributed food, clothing, and other necessities to the poor, widows, and orphans.
- Temples also provided refuge for those seeking sanctuary from violence or oppression.
7. Cultural and Artistic Contributions:
- Priests played a vital role in the development and preservation of Sumerian culture and art.
- They composed hymns, prayers, and literary texts that reflected religious beliefs and practices.
- They were involved in the creation of sculptures, paintings, and other artworks depicting religious themes.
Overall, priests in Sumerian society were highly esteemed individuals who exercised their influence in religious, educational, political, and social spheres. They were respected as mediators between the gods and humanity, contributing significantly to the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural development of the ancient Sumerian civilization.