Why was the highest social class of early civilizations held by merchants and skilled workers

Because both of these jobs generate the most wealth and invention within the society

During early civilizations, the amount of food is not as abundant as it is today, So, when a group of people somehow appear and provide the civilians with various products from regions that they never been before, people were awed and help them in high regard. The same thing happen to the skilled workers who showed up with inventions that made people's live become easier.

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