Ancient Mesopotamian Gods: Mythology, Cult, and Scripture

Abstract

The study of ancient Mesopotamian religion is important first and foremost for its own sake. However, it is also important for comparative studies regarding other ancient Near Eastern religions most notably biblical religions. Since ancient Mesopotamia was the dominant political and cultural power in the ancient world until the rise of the Achaemenid and later the Hellenistic empires, it of course also exerted an influence, whether positive or negative, on other ancient societies.