Explain how religion or association with the divine in the First Civilizations could be used to both legitimize and restrain the authority of the state.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is •Examples of how religion could be used to legitimize state authority:
oClass and gender inequalities were ordained by the gods.
oIn China,the emperor was portrayed as the Son of Heaven.
oIn Mesopotamia,rulers were viewed as stewards of their city's patron gods.
oIn Egypt,pharaohs were believed to have divine qualities and supernatural powers.
oThe symbols of kingship were said to be of divine origin.
oThe gods established monarchy.
•Examples of how religion could be used to restrain state authority:
oHammurabi's law code was said to have been inspired by Marduk,the chief god of Babylon.
oThe Mesopotamian monarch Urukagina in the city of Lagash invoked the authority of the city's patron god to launch reforms.
oIn China,emperors in the Western Zhou could be overthrown if their bad behavior resulted in their loss of the Mandate of Heaven.

Explain How Religion or Association with the Divine in the First