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Mesopotamian goddesses are among the oldest in the world. Inanna is commonly referenced as the most ancient goddess, first worshipped during the Uruk Period (4100-2900 BCE). Veneration of Inanna and the others developed throughout the Early Dynastic Period (2900-2334 BCE) and Akkadian Period (2334-2218 BCE) and continued through the fall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire in 612 BCE.
During the reign of Hammurabi of Babylon (1792-1750 BCE), many of these goddesses were replaced by male deities – Nisaba, goddess of writing, replaced by Nabu, son of Marduk, for example – but many were still being worshipped during the Seleucid Period (312-63 BCE) and afterwards.
Inanna is the oldest Mesopotamian goddess, worshipped during the Uruk Period of 4100-2900 BCE.
When did the worship of goddesses develop in Mesopotamia?
Goddess worship developed in Mesopotamia during the Uruk Period (4100-2900 BCE) and the Early Dynastic Period (2900-2334 BCE).
When did goddess worship decline in Mesopotamia?
Goddess worship declined in Mesopotamia during the reign of Hammurabi of Babylon (1792-1750 BCE) when they were replaced by male deities. Their worship continued on a smaller scale.
Are Mesopotamian goddesses still worshipped today?
Mesopotamian goddess worship is continued today by Neo-Pagan, Wiccan, and other groups devoted to ancient deities.
Joshua J. Mark is World History Encyclopedia's co-founder and Content Director. He was previously a professor at Marist College (NY) where he taught history, philosophy, literature, and writing. He has traveled extensively and lived in Greece and Germany.
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