In ancient civilizations, exercising control over the masses by the elites ensured their reign and status. These elites accounted for many aspects of daily life, however, not all. Giving the people some freedoms would ensure their reciprocal support to the state, also, controlling every aspect of a person’s life in a civilization so large would be impossible. Civilizations such as Sumer in Mesopotamia and Egypt ruled over their people with this concept in mind.
Controlling the masses came about through many different approaches. Notably in the fertile crescent was the royal graves at Ur. This archaeological site uncovered just how far the elites in society went to ensure their rule was seen as legitimate and powerful. Within the findings were many sacrificed people dressed in elaborate dresses and jewelry which suggests these killings may have been ritual. However sacred the public event must have been, D. Bruce Dickson argued: “The graves themselves are part of the effort made by Ur’s rulers to establish the legitimacy of their governance by demonstrating their sacred, holy and non-ordinary status” (Dickson). In other words “Accept our power and we will protect you from worse violence” (Dickson). The elites threatened the everyday lives of their commoners as a means to maintain control.
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