Why did priests enjoy such a high position in Sumerian society?

Answer 1

A:

Priests have enjoyed high status in every society since shamanistic times. They have presented themselves as having, by virtue of their ability to communicate with the gods, power over human affairs in both this life and the next. People sought their intercession for favourable harvests or success in war, and at the same time feared what an angry priest could do to harm them. It was easy for priests to accumulate wealth, both by seeking donations from the faithful and by using their positions to avoid payment of taxes. With wealth goes even greater prestige and power.

Sumerian religious beliefs and Sumerian society are so remote from the modern world that it can be hard to understand this ability of the Sumerian priests to have such power over the ordinary people and even the kings. However, if we look at the medieval Catholic Church, we see the same ability of priests and popes to wield power for their personal benefit. The popes considered themselves superior to kings and indeed, for much of the Middle Ages, they were wealthier than kings. In all history, it is only in recent times that clerics have been treated as respected humans but subject to the same standards as others.

Answer 2

They didn't they were the second people in the social hierarchy. They really couldn't be compared to a king or nobleman

Answer 3

they would not stay in power.