The people's rights depended on their gender, and position in the social pyramid.
Most people who had money, were not near the bottom of the social pyramid, and lived in the city, lived in homes. These homes were made of mud bricks, and had a rectangular shape to them. If the family could not pay off their loans or interest, would have to give up their home. The other option was to sell their children, proving this was a harsh system.
As for families, well they were dominated by males. The females didn't have many rights. They couldn't own property, unless there was one circumstance: the woman had no brothers, and the father was okay with her inheriting the property. However, women did have one right: They could work outside of their house. Now, this might not seem like a very big right, but just remember how unfairly women were treated back then.
Most families owned 2-4 slaves. Slaves were at the bottom of the social pyramid.
Most people who had money, were not near the bottom of the social pyramid, and lived in the city, lived in homes. These homes were made of mud bricks, and had a rectangular shape to them. If the family could not pay off their loans or interest, would have to give up their home. The other option was to sell their children, proving this was a harsh system.
As for families, well they were dominated by males. The females didn't have many rights. They couldn't own property, unless there was one circumstance: the woman had no brothers, and the father was okay with her inheriting the property. However, women did have one right: They could work outside of their house. Now, this might not seem like a very big right, but just remember how unfairly women were treated back then.
Most families owned 2-4 slaves. Slaves were at the bottom of the social pyramid.
A Mesopotomian City.
Discussion Question: If you couldn't pay off your loans, would you sell your home, or your children? Discuss with your team.