Reply To: Social stratification in the Ancient Near East

[Jess]

An example that I believe shows social hierarchy very well is the The Stele of Naram-Sin. At the top of the Stele, Naram-Sin is shown at a larger size compared to the other people in the scene depicted. This shows he is better than those he rules. He is also shown killing an enemy but also sparing another. This shows that he gives punishments when they are necessary but is also merciful. There are then soldiers bellow Naram-Sin. This shows that they follow him and listen to his commands that he may give.