describe how living during the time of sargon the great's reign and under their rules
Answer (1)
Answer:Living during the time of Sargon the Great's reign (c. 2334-2279 BCE) would have been a complex and multifaceted experience, shaped by both the grandeur of his empire and the realities of life in ancient Mesopotamia. The Rise of Akkad and the Benefits of Empire: - Peace and Stability: Sargon's conquests brought an end to the constant warfare that plagued Mesopotamia before his rise. This period of relative peace allowed agriculture to flourish and trade to expand.- Prosperity: The Akkadian Empire controlled vital trade routes and resources, leading to economic prosperity. This translated to better living conditions for many, with access to food, goods, and services.- Cultural Influence: The Akkadian Empire became a center of learning and cultural exchange. Arts, literature, and architecture flourished, reflecting the power and prestige of the Akkadian state. The Challenges of Akkadian Rule: - Centralized Power: The Akkadian Empire was a centralized state, meaning that Sargon and his successors held absolute power. This could lead to oppressive measures, including heavy taxation and forced labor.- Social Hierarchy: Akkadian society was rigidly hierarchical, with the king and his court at the top, followed by priests, scribes, and soldiers. Ordinary people, including farmers and laborers, occupied the lower rungs of society.- Cultural Transformation: Sargon's empire brought about significant cultural changes, including the spread of the Akkadian language and religious practices. This could have been unsettling for those who clung to their traditional ways. Life in an Ancient City: - Urban Centers: Most people lived in cities, which were centers of trade, administration, and religion. Cities like Akkad and Kish were bustling centers of activity, with a complex network of streets, temples, and palaces.- Agriculture and Trade: Agriculture was the backbone of the Akkadian economy. Farmers grew crops like barley, wheat, and dates, while merchants traded goods across the region.- Religion and Ritual: Religion played a central role in Akkadian life. People worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and temples were the focal point of religious rituals and festivals. Challenges of Daily Life: - Disease and Sanitation: Ancient Mesopotamians faced challenges like disease, poor sanitation, and natural disasters. Life expectancy was relatively short, and illness was common.- Gender Roles: Society was patriarchal, with men holding most positions of power. Women had limited legal rights and were expected to be primarily wives and mothers. Overall, living during Sargon the Great's reign was a complex experience, marked by both progress and challenges. The empire brought peace, prosperity, and cultural advancement, but also centralized power, social inequality, and cultural transformation. The daily lives of ordinary people were shaped by the demands of agriculture, trade, and religious practices, as well as the realities of disease, poverty, and limited opportunities for social mobility.—Cici
