An edition of Gods, demons, and symbols of ancient Mesopotamia (1992)
Gods, demons, and symbols of ancient Mesopotamia
an illustrated dictionary
By Jeremy A. Black
Publish Date
1992
Publisher
Published by British Museum Press for the Trustees of the British Museum
Language
eng
Pages
192
Description:
Ancient Mesopotamia was a rich, varied and highly complex culture whose achievements included the invention of writing and the development of sophisticated urban society. This book offers an introductory guide to the beliefs and customs of the ancient Mesopotamians, as revealed in their art and their writings between about 3000 B.C. and the advent of the Christian era. Gods, goddesses, demons, monsters, magic, myths, religious symbolism, ritual, and the spiritual world are all discussed in alphabetical entries ranging from short accounts to extended essays. Names are given in both their Sumerian and Akkadian forms, and all entries are fully cross-referenced. A useful introduction provides historical and geographical background and describes the sources of our knowledge about the religion, mythology and magic of "the cradle of civilisation".