Intellectuals of the Ancient World (Part 3)

The phenomenon of early states in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia is examined through the lens of their political theology. The sacred foundations of royal power are identified, and the status of knowledge bearers within the structure of the first state formations is determined. It is shown that “primary” states functioned as complex ritual-symbolic systems (“temple-states”) based on the theology of kingship. The monarch’s authority was interpreted as divinely delegated, combining both sovereign and pastoral functions. The scientific novelty of the study lies in identifying the priest-magicians (the ishib in Mesopotamia and the kheriheb in Egypt) as the first intellectuals of antiquity, who combined esoteric knowledge with high status in the state hierarchy. Special attention is given to the role of writing, not only as a tool of administration but also as a sacred phenomenon.

EDN EFMJAH

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