In Sumerian society, who held significant political power alongside kings?

In Sumerian society, priests and priestesses held significant political power alongside kings due to the deeply intertwined nature of religion and governance. The Sumerians believed their kings ruled with the divine sanction of the gods, and thus religious leaders played a crucial role in legitimizing the authority of the monarchy. Priests and priestesses were often responsible for conducting rituals, managing temple resources, and providing guidance on moral and ethical issues, which gave them substantial influence over both the public and political spheres.

The temples themselves were not just religious centers; they were also economic and political hubs that managed large landholdings, agricultural production, and trade. Therefore, priests and priestesses wielded considerable power that could rival that of secular rulers, as they could mobilize community support and resources in accordance with their religious authority.

In contrast, commoners, scribes, and merchants, while important in their own rights, did not hold the same level of political influence. Commoners worked primarily as farmers or laborers and generally had limited political power. Scribes were essential for record-keeping and administration, but their roles were more bureaucratic than political. Merchants played a vital role in trade and the economy, yet they were mainly focused on commerce rather than the religious