Ep 7. Early Dynastic Workers and Worshipers

In the seventh episode of Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization, titled "Early Dynastic Workers and Worshipers," viewers are taken on a journey back in time to witness the lives of the workers and worshipers in the early dynastic period of Mesopotamia.

The episode starts by exploring how ancient Mesopotamians organized themselves into different social classes, with each class having its own distinct roles and responsibilities. The workers were an important part of the society and were involved in various activities such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. The show provides a detailed look at the work they did and how it helped the civilization to grow and prosper.

Viewers get to see how this period was characterized by technological advancements in irrigation, which allowed farmers to cultivate the land more efficiently, leading to increased food production. This abundance of food allowed the civilization to support a larger population that was interested in more than just basic subsistence.

As people's lives grew more comfortable, they also became more religious, leading to the development of a complex and elaborate religious system. The show explores how the early dynastic worshipers constructed temples and shrines to honor their gods and goddesses, and how rituals such as animal sacrifice and libations were an integral part of their daily lives.

Viewers are treated to an in-depth look at the worship practices of different gods and goddesses including Inanna, the goddess of love and war, and Nanna, the moon god. The episode also details how the different temples and shrines were run and the role the priests played in the worship practices of the people.

Moreover, viewers get to see how the worship of these gods was intertwined with the politics of the time. The early dynastic period was characterized by the rise of city-states, and each city had its own prominent god or goddess. The episode takes a look at how these city-states used their religion to legitimize their rule and gain political power.

The show also explores how their religious beliefs affected their art and how they used art as a means of expressing their devotion. The episode takes viewers through the different forms of art, such as pottery, sculpture, and jewelry, and how they used it to communicate with their gods.

Finally, the show ends by examining how the continuity of these practices was brought into question with the rise of new dynasties and empires and how they dealt with the conflict between religion and politics.

Overall, "Early Dynastic Workers and Worshipers" is a fascinating look at the early dynastic period of Mesopotamia, where viewers are treated to an in-depth exploration of the social classes, religious practices, art, and politics that defined this period.