In Big Era Four, rulers had greater control over their subjects because a social ladder was formed. Many of the world’s population were farmers, herders, and foragers. The rise of states that concentrated on large amounts of wealth led to more distinct social classes between elites who had wealth and power, and then everyone else. In urban societies, there may have been people such as merchants, artisans, and scholars who obtained substantial wealth, however they did not often times gain much political power. At the bottom of the social ladder were slaves. This era was a huge expansion of slavery and organized slave trade. Adult males dominated the political and social life. These defined social classes helped the rulers have greater control