The sanga supervised all of the temples’ businesses. Temples ran long distance trade networks, owned a third of the land and provided employment to much of the city’s inhabitants. Temples were not only places of religion, but of commercial activity as well. The other chief administrator of the temple complex, the sanga, ran the business of the temple. Different types of priests performed purifications, exorcisms, treated people medically and prayed with them.

These priests had many tasks some cared for the gods by feeding and clothing them, others sang, made music and wrote hymns, and others still provided religious services to the people. He supervised scores of other priests in performing sacred duties. His or her job was to please the gods, to divine their will and communicate it to the ruler and the people. One, the en or chief priest, oversaw all sacred and religious duties of all the priests and priestesses.

Mesopotamian Priests and priestesses had many duties and responsibilities, and in exchange they received respect, honor and creature comforts.Įach city was organized around the god’s temple, which was a complex of buildings including the temple proper, chambers for the Mesopotamian priests and priestesses, workshops and public areas. Ordinary Mesopotamians looked to the priesthood to gain the favor of the gods, especially the patron god or goddess of their city. They were mediators between the gods and the people. In Mesopotamian society, priests and priestesses were equals to the king in power and honor.

The priests