Social Differences Between Egypt And Mesopotamian Civilization

Fertile Crescent Alongside Mesopotamia, grew a second civilization along the Nile River. The Egyptian civilization, by 3000 BC their civilization had formed. Mesopotamia benefited the ancient Egyptian civilization by trade and technological influence but their societies formed a different society and cultural structure. From its origins to its decline Egyptian civilization was focused on the Nile River and the deserts around it. More is known about Egypt because of its values, political organization and the encouragement to build monumental structures. Even though Mesopotamia was richer in heritage less is known about it.
The differences between Egypt and Mesopotamia were in many ways attributed to the different level of exposure to
outside incursions and influence, different beliefs and different topography. Egypt put emphasis on a strong central authority while Mesopotamian politics shifted frequently. The difference in politics also allowed Egypt the ability to organize masses of laborers.. While Egypt focused on monumental structures, Mesopotamia focused embracing literary art. Contrary to the Egyptians Mesopotamians lacked access to the great stones for their monuments. Egyptians had a concern for the afterlife and prepared for it immensely, which motivated the to build great tombs and pyramids; this was a motivation that the Mesopotamians lacked.
Both societies traded extensively, but the difference in economics of the two civilizations were very apparent.
The Mesopotamian civilization was more productive in technological improvements due to the fact that their surroundings were more difficult to manage than that of the Nile valley. The Mesopotamians gave attention to the merchant class and commercial law and their trade contacts were more extensive than Egypt’s.
The Social differences between the two civilizations were less obvious due to the fact that it is difficult to obtain information on the daily life of early civilizations. It is likely that the status of women was greater in Egypt than in Mesopotamia. Egyptians paid great respect to women especially if they belonged to the upper classes of Egypt, mostly due to the idea that marriage alliances were vital to the stability and preservation of the monarchy. Moreover, Egyptian religion included a more evident regard towards goddesses as a basis of
creativity. legal rights in Ancient Egyptian civilization extended to women in certain situations. Like men, women could buy, sell and manage property. They lived with some degree of freedom, respect and freewill. ancient Egypt’s society structure also gave women the right to play an active role in legal proceedings and sue. They could acquire possessions such as money, livestock, slaves, goods, and servants they were also granted ownership rights and could inherit property from their parents. Egyptian women could work outside of the home and build wealth. The social status of women in Egypt depended on their fathers and husbands. in the event of their husband 's his death they could inherit a third his estate. Ancient Egyptian law also gave women the right to initiate and carry out divorces. The upper class women in Egypt could choose their husband and when Egyptian women married they acquired a rank of lady of the house. Women could do as they pleased with their assets, as well as start or own a business. If women and young girls belonged in the upper class, they could learn to read and write. Although the Egyptian woman was excluded from most occupations such as the manufacturing of jewelry or pottery, fishing, hunting, military activities and butchery, they could however be:

1. Musicians
2. Dancers
3. Weavers
4. Maids
5. Priestesses
6. Midwives
7. Entrepreneurs
8. Doctors
Women could not exercise much personal independence in ancient Mesopotamia.
The rights of women in Mesopotamia were not equal to those of men, but Mesopotamian woman had privileges and laws that protected them. Social structure defined women in relation to their families, women of high status such as priestesses and members of royal families, learned to read and write. Women from rich and powerful families or of Royal blood enjoyed a greater degree of personal independence, but society did not view women as an self-governing individual. The women of Mesopotamia could not inherit their husband 's estate if there were suitable male heirs. The women did not often work outside of the house, it was up to them to had to care for their homes, but higher ranking women did have the opportunity to acquire a position in government, in a business, as a priestess or within a military establishment. While low status women had to work the land, look after the house, animals and children. Some women, however, did hold jobs selling wares they had created or worked as tavern keepers. It was only during the 18th century with the introduction of the Code of Hammurabi, that women were given the ability to divorce and own property but only under certain circumstances.
Ancient Mesopotamian civilization considered women ready for a family-arranged marriage soon after they reached puberty. Mesopotamian women married into their husbands ' families and the groom 's father exercised a great amount of power
in Mesopotamian marriages. The groom 's family, in most marriages, had to pay a dowry. Mesopotamian culture viewed this as a payment for the groom 's right to the bride. Once married the husbands had the power to manage all marital assets.
The function, position and role of women vary greatly among these two ancient societies. Essentially ancient women in Egypt enjoyed more privileges and rights than their counterparts in Mesopotamia, such as the matters discussed of property ownership and marriage.

References
Guisepi, R. (n.d.). Egypt and Mesopotamia Compared. Retrieved March 22, 2015, from http://history-world.org/egypt_and_mesopotamia_compared.htm
Noonan, K., & Media, D. (n.d.). The Social Status of Women in Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia. Retrieved March 22, 2015, from http://classroom.synonym.com/social-status-women-ancient-egypt-mesopotamia-23631.html