Examination of the origins of religion in Mesopotamia, including Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian beliefs.
Sumerian religion: The polytheistic beliefs and practices of the ancient civilization of Sumer, including the worship of numerous gods and goddesses, such as Anu, Enlil, and Inanna.
Akkadian religion: The beliefs and practices of the ancient Semitic-speaking Akkadian people, who dominated Mesopotamia during the 3rd millennium BCE.
Babylonian religion: The religion of the Babylonian empire, which was characterized by the worship of the god Marduk, as well as numerous other gods and goddesses.
Assyrian religion: The religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Assyrian empire, which included the worship of several deities, such as Ashur, Ishtar, and Tiamat.
Ziggurats: The massive, stepped temple structures that were built by the ancient Mesopotamians to honor their gods and goddesses.
Cuneiform: The writing system developed by the ancient Mesopotamians, consisting of wedge-shaped symbols that were inscribed on clay tablets.
Epic of Gilgamesh: The best-known literary work from ancient Mesopotamia, this epic poem tells the story of the life of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his quest for eternal life.
Enuma Elish: Another famous Mesopotamian text, this epic poem describes the creation of the universe and the struggles between the gods.
Mythology: The body of stories and beliefs that were central to the religious practices of the Mesopotamians, including tales of creation, flood myths, and tales of the exploits of the gods and goddesses.
Astrology: The study of the movements and positions of celestial bodies, which was important to Mesopotamian religion and culture.
Magic and divination: The use of spells, rituals, and other techniques to gain insight into the future or influence the course of events, a key aspect of Mesopotamian religion.
Apkallu: The seven sages of ancient Mesopotamia, who were believed to possess extraordinary knowledge and wisdom.
Mesopotamian pantheon: The many gods and goddesses worshipped by the various peoples of ancient Mesopotamia, each with their own distinctive qualities and responsibilities.
Temples and priesthoods: The institutional structures that were responsible for the administration of religious rituals and practices, including the construction and maintenance of temples and the training of priests.
Funerary practices: The rituals and customs associated with death and the afterlife, including burial practices and the belief in an underworld or afterlife realm.
Sumerian religion: The religion of the people of Sumer, who were one of the earliest civilization in Mesopotamia. They believed in a pantheon of deities led by the god Anu.
Akkadian religion: The religion of the Akkadian Empire, which followed the Sumerians. They believed in a mix of Sumerian and Semitic deities.
Babylonian religion: The religion of the Babylonian Empire, which followed the Akkadians. They believed in a pantheon led by the god Marduk.
Assyrian religion: The religion of the Assyrian Empire, which followed the Babylonians. They believed in a mix of Babylonian and native deities, and were known for their military prowess.
Hurrian religion: The religion of the Hurrians, who were a notable people in northern Mesopotamia. They believed in a variety of deities and practiced animal sacrifice.
Elamite religion: The religion of the Elamites, who were a people in southwestern Mesopotamia. They believed in a pantheon of deities headed by the god Humbaba.
Kassite religion: The religion of the Kassites, who were a people who ruled Mesopotamia following the Babylonians. They adopted the Babylonian pantheon and added their own deities.
Urartian religion: The religion of the Urartians, who were a people in modern-day Armenia and eastern Turkey. They practiced the worship of the sky god Khaldi and believed in a number of other deities.
Hittite religion: The religion of the Hittites, who were a people who lived in modern-day Turkey. They believed in a pantheon headed by the god Kumarbi and engaged in a number of rituals and animal sacrifices.
Mitanni religion: The religion of the Mitanni, who were a people in northern Mesopotamia. They believed in a pantheon headed by the goddess Ishtar and practiced animal sacrifices.