How was the political system of the Meroitic Empire similar to and different from that of Egyptian rule? Be specific about the royal succession.
Conceptual

Question

How was the political system of the Meroitic Empire similar to and different from that of Egyptian rule? Be specific about the royal succession. 
Conceptual

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The political system of the Meroitic Empire was similar to that of Egyptian rule in that both were monarchies with a divine ruler at the top. In both societies, the ruler was considered to be a god or a representative of the gods on earth, and their authority was absolute. However, there were also significant differences between the two systems.

One major difference was in the royal succession. In Egypt, the throne typically passed from father to son, with the eldest son being the designated heir. This system of hereditary succession ensured a clear line of succession and minimized the potential for power struggles and instability.

In contrast, the Meroitic Empire had a more flexible system of royal succession. While the ruler was still considered to be divine, the succession was not strictly hereditary. Instead, the ruler was chosen from among the royal family based on their merit and abilities. This meant that the ruler could be a brother, cousin, or even a distant relative of the previous ruler, as long as they were deemed to be the most suitable candidate for the position.

This difference in royal succession had significant implications for the stability and continuity of the Meroitic Empire. While it allowed for more flexibility and potentially better-qualified rulers, it also opened the door to power struggles and conflicts within the royal family. Without a clear line of succession, the potential for instability and internal strife was higher in the Meroitic Empire compared to the more rigid system of hereditary succession in Egypt.

In conclusion, while both the Meroitic Empire and Egyptian rule were monarchies with divine rulers, the systems of royal succession differed significantly. The hereditary succession in Egypt provided stability and continuity, while the more flexible succession in the Meroitic Empire had the potential for both merit-based leadership and internal conflict.

How Was the Political System of the Meroitic Empire Similar