Merchants:
- Mesopotamia did not contain a large variety of natural resources, which led to a need for trade. (for example, the Babylonians traded grains, oils, and textiles in exchange for timber, wine and precious metals).
- Goods were transported in a variety of ways such as by boat or by foot/animals.
Soldiers:
- Due to a lack of natural barriers, civilizations in Mesopotamia often faced the threat of invasion.
- Prior to 4000 BCE copper tools use, after 4000 BCE, bronze was discovered and utilized in the military.
Artisans:
- Responsible for a large variety of products ranging from dishes, pots, and baskets of everyday use to intricate works of art dedicated to their religion.
- Clay was an abundant element that was used for pottery, monumental buildings, art, and record keeping (in the form of clay tablets).
- Metal smiths learned to shape bronze at approximately 4000 BCE
- Carpenters were needed for building palaces, chariots, musical instruments, and religious pieces.
- Stone masons created large sculptures as well as small cylinders with intricate patterns that were used as seals.
Scribes:
- Only men were scribes, as women had no opportunity to receive an education.
- Cuneiform was considered very hard to master, it was written with clay tablets and styles.
- Scribes were needed in government operations as well as religious temples.
- Mesopotamia did not contain a large variety of natural resources, which led to a need for trade. (for example, the Babylonians traded grains, oils, and textiles in exchange for timber, wine and precious metals).
- Goods were transported in a variety of ways such as by boat or by foot/animals.
Soldiers:
- Due to a lack of natural barriers, civilizations in Mesopotamia often faced the threat of invasion.
- Prior to 4000 BCE copper tools use, after 4000 BCE, bronze was discovered and utilized in the military.
Artisans:
- Responsible for a large variety of products ranging from dishes, pots, and baskets of everyday use to intricate works of art dedicated to their religion.
- Clay was an abundant element that was used for pottery, monumental buildings, art, and record keeping (in the form of clay tablets).
- Metal smiths learned to shape bronze at approximately 4000 BCE
- Carpenters were needed for building palaces, chariots, musical instruments, and religious pieces.
- Stone masons created large sculptures as well as small cylinders with intricate patterns that were used as seals.
Scribes:
- Only men were scribes, as women had no opportunity to receive an education.
- Cuneiform was considered very hard to master, it was written with clay tablets and styles.
- Scribes were needed in government operations as well as religious temples.