Sumarian Society
Law
The Sumerians are responsible for the first known set of written laws. These laws are known as the "code" of Ur-Nammu. By 2400 B.C. laws were common on Sumerian society. These laws were designed to protect the weak, poor, widows, and orphans against the rich.
The People
Sumerian society adhered to a caste system comprised of three classes: amelu, mushkinu, and slaves. The amelu were the at the top rung of the caste system. Government officials, professional soldiers, and priests were found in this class. Under the amelu were the mushkinu, the middle class of Sumerian society. The mushkinu were comprised of shopkeepers, farmers, merchants, and laborers. The mushkinu were the largest of the three classes. A large disparity existed between the rich and the poor, but even the poor owned their own land and livestock.
Daily Life
The husband held the power in the family. A husband could initiate a divorce with very little reason. He also had the right to take on a second wife if his first was not able to bear a child. Children were generally loved and cared for, but children could be sold into slavery to repay a debt.
The Sumerians are responsible for the first known set of written laws. These laws are known as the "code" of Ur-Nammu. By 2400 B.C. laws were common on Sumerian society. These laws were designed to protect the weak, poor, widows, and orphans against the rich.
The People
Sumerian society adhered to a caste system comprised of three classes: amelu, mushkinu, and slaves. The amelu were the at the top rung of the caste system. Government officials, professional soldiers, and priests were found in this class. Under the amelu were the mushkinu, the middle class of Sumerian society. The mushkinu were comprised of shopkeepers, farmers, merchants, and laborers. The mushkinu were the largest of the three classes. A large disparity existed between the rich and the poor, but even the poor owned their own land and livestock.
Daily Life
The husband held the power in the family. A husband could initiate a divorce with very little reason. He also had the right to take on a second wife if his first was not able to bear a child. Children were generally loved and cared for, but children could be sold into slavery to repay a debt.