SUMERIAN RELIGION Meaning and
Definition
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Sumerian religion refers to the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Sumerians, who inhabited southern Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) around 4500 BCE to 1900 BCE, making it one of the oldest known organized religions in human history. It formed the basis for the religion of later Mesopotamian civilizations, such as the Babylonians and Assyrians.
The Sumerians believed in a polytheistic system, worshipping a multitude of gods and goddesses, each associated with specific aspects of life and nature. These deities were seen as personifications of natural forces, celestial bodies, and societal concepts, with each god having their own cult and temple dedicated to their worship.
Central to Sumerian religious belief was the concept of an ordered universe, where humans had to maintain harmonious relationships with the gods, as disruptions could lead to natural disasters and chaos. To maintain this harmony, numerous rituals, prayers, and offerings were performed by priests in temples. Special attention was given to divination and the interpretation of natural signs to understand the will of the gods regarding daily life events and important decisions, such as warfare, agriculture, and marriage.
The religious texts known as the Sumerian myths play a significant role in understanding Sumerian religious beliefs, particularly the epic of Gilgamesh. These texts provide insights into their depiction of the afterlife, creation myths, and the relationships between gods and humans.
Over time, Sumerian religion absorbed influences from neighboring civilizations and underwent changes with the rise of cultural and political shifts in the region. However, its impact on subsequent Mesopotamian religions is evident, making it a vital part of the understanding of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations and their religious practices.
Etymology of SUMERIAN RELIGION
The term "Sumerian religion" is derived from two main elements: "Sumerian" and "religion".
"Sumerian" refers to the people and civilization that inhabited ancient Sumer, a region located in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) from around the 4th millennium BCE until the 2nd millennium BCE. The Sumerians were an ancient non-Semitic-speaking people who developed one of the earliest known civilizations in human history, characterized by advanced agriculture, writing systems (cuneiform), intricate city-states, and significant advancements in various fields.
"Religion" is derived from the Latin word "religio", which has been attributed to various meanings, including "to bind" or "to connect". It refers to the beliefs, practices, and worship of a higher power or a particular system of faith.
