Why is Sumer considered a theocracy?

Answer 1

Sumer was considered a theocracy because the Sumerians believed their world was controlled by gods/goddesses. Each god or goddess was responsible for one thing, like water, wind, earth, pottery etc. and each Sumerian city was guarded by a god or goddess. Because of the God's huge role in Sumer, there came to be temples for them to live in, called Ziggurats, and people could go there and make offerings, sacrifices etc. This also made them polytheistic, but they are theocratic because their gods govern their society.

However, as the Akkadian Empire rises, people like Sargon and his grandson, Naram-Sin, try to establish themselves as divine, and eventually become responsible for appointing government officials, and taking care of divine duties. More importantly, divine worship goes directly to them as they are considered Gods.