Mesopotamian tax administration

Mesopotamian tax administration was a system used by ancient states like Sumer and Babylon to collect revenue for the government. Citizens paid taxes in various forms, such as grain, livestock, or labor, which supported public projects, temples, and the military. Tax collectors, often officials or local leaders, ensured compliance and kept records on clay tablets. Taxes were also tied to land ownership and agricultural production, reflecting the agrarian nature of society. This structured approach allowed for organized governance, resource allocation, and economic stability in the region, helping to sustain some of the world’s earliest civilizations.