<P> Before the beginning of kingship in Sumer , the city - states were effectively ruled by theocratic priests and religious officials . Later , this role was supplanted by kings , but priests continued to exert great influence on Sumerian society . In early times , Sumerian temples were simple , one - room structures , sometimes built on elevated platforms . Towards the end of Sumerian civilization , these temples developed into ziggurats -- tall , pyramidal structures with sanctuaries at the tops . </P>
<P> Before the beginning of kingship in Sumer , the city - states were effectively ruled by theocratic priests and religious officials . Later , this role was supplanted by kings , but priests continued to exert great influence on Sumerian society . In early times , Sumerian temples were simple , one - room structures , sometimes built on elevated platforms . Towards the end of Sumerian civilization , these temples developed into ziggurats -- tall , pyramidal structures with sanctuaries at the tops . </P>
who had the most power in sumerian society
who had the most power in sumerian society
kings
kings