City-States:
- The Sumerian city-states were essentially sovereign entities, each with its own political and economic system. Cities such as Ur, Uruk, and Kish emerged as prominent centers of power.
Kingship and Rulers:
- Each city-state in Sumer was governed by a king (lugal) or ruler. The king held significant authority, including military, religious, and administrative functions.
Temples and Economic Life:
- The temples were central to the economic and religious life of the Sumerians. Temples collected agricultural surplus and served as storehouses for the city. They managed a large share of the economy and played a vital role in the distribution of resources.
The Council of Elders:
- In some Sumerian city-states, there was a council of elders (abgal) or assembly (gub) that advised the king and participated in decision-making processes.
Social Hierarchy and Scribes
- Sumerians had a hierarchical society with different social classes. The elites included priests, kings, and administrators, while the majority were farmers and artisans. The scribes formed an important and respected group, contributing to record-keeping and governance.
Law Codes:
- The Sumerians developed early law codes, such as the Code of Ur-Nammu (c. 2100 BCE), which established legal principles and penalties for various offenses.
Temples as Administrative Centers:
- The temples often functioned as the administrative centers of Sumerian cities, where economic transactions, judicial proceedings, and record-keeping took place.
Trade and Commerce:
- The Sumerians engaged in extensive trade with neighboring regions and developed the use of money (silver) in economic transactions.
War and Alliances:
- Sumerian city-states engaged in diplomatic negotiations, formed alliances, and sometimes went to war to secure political dominance or resources.
Throughout Sumer's history, different city-states periodically gained prominence and established larger kingdoms, such as the Akkadian Empire. However, the general structures of governance remained rooted in the Sumerian foundations. The achievements of the Sumerian civilization in governance provided a model and inspiration for subsequent Mesopotamian civilizations, which built upon and adapted their political systems.