In order to delve into ancient history and understand classical civilizations one must first appreciate what characteristics mark a civilization. Historian Chester Starr states the necessary characteristics of a civilization include, “The presence of firmly organized states which had definite boundaries and systematic political institutions, under political and religious leaders who directed and also maintained society; the distinction of social classes; the economic specialization of men as farmer, trader, artisan, each depended upon his fellows; and the conscious development of the arts and intellectual attitudes.”1 All of these fundamental characteristics are the dictated criteria of civilizations new and old; and when exploring ancient cultures, one must attempt to understand completely the respective features. With special emphasis on the latter of the points this essay will attempt to summarize the classical aspects of three distinct ancient cultures; the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, the Egyptians of Egypt, and the Greeks of the Mediterranean. The first of the classical ancient civilizations arose around 3000 B.C. in Mesopotamia which in Greek translates to “between the rivers.” This first of the ancient cultures was to be the archetypal classical culture for many peoples and the center of human life on earth for many centuries. With the Tigris River to the east and the Euphrates River to the west Sumerian life was in a word prosperous. This agriculture based civilization was the first of any culture to have a wealth of excess. Advancements in agriculture such as the development of the wheel, plow, complex irrigation, and sailing craft lead Sumeria into this prosperous era. There was in fact enough economic and agricultural wealth for its populace to diversify and specialize creating an interdependent community. The social structure of ancient Sumeria was essentially a pyramidal structure with the king as the leader and point. Then just below the king reigned the priests and aristocracy which acted as the wealthy ruling class. Supporting this social pyramid as the base was 98 percent of the population, the agrarian farmers and city laborers. This system was the natural instinct of the respective ancient peoples and would influence most other nearby developing cultures. In Sumerian culture, the king and leader was generally a successful warrior who was considered blessed by the Gods. This warrior king had responsibilities and obligations to his people of which included firstly, the appeasement of the gods who influenced every facet of life, secondly, to defend the land against foreign and internal conflicts, and lastly, to build roads, aqueducts, walls, and temples. These responsibilities were the standard set for Sumerian kings, and it was a king’s ability to successfully fulfill these tasks which was the mark of greatness strived towards. Understandably the Lugol’s or king’s rule required more than simply his being present to prove effective. The king therefore relied heavily upon the aristocracy or ruling class. This wealthy and powerful class was primarily comprised of the city dwelling priests, generals, landowners, and merchants. They lived relatively comfortable lives and were generally better clothed and educated than the lower classes. Artisans and builders which comprised only a couple percent of the population were generally considered higher in the social order than the lowest class but were not yet viewed as aristocracy. The last and largest class was comprised of primarily farmers and day laborers who lived hard lives, working off the land or for the aristocracy. Also the slaves which were debtors or conquered peoples were classless and considered chattel in this system and owned generally by the ruling class. This system of social order existed as a natural state which proved better able to provide a more secure life for the whole of Sumeria. When functioning correctly the system provided protection, sustenance, and a more systematic regulated world. To further understand classic Sumerian culture one must explore the integral religious views of the society and how they affected the culture. Ancient man was left with few answers as to their given station in the cosmos and therefore they utilized their natural surroundings to better understand the world and their placement in it. Starr moreover postulates Sumerian religion also stemmed from, “Man’s failure fully to recognize himself,” and therefore man looked to the divine for support in everyday life. Times in Ancient Mesopotamia were not without hardships and, “Unremitting toils.” Aside from internal strife, the natural elements and unseen disease ravaged the ancient world. Droughts, famine, and storms, time and time again struck the Sumerians, sometimes to devastating effect. These misunderstood phenomenon as well as all forces in life were attributed to the Sumerian Gods. The peoples of Sumeria understood t