How long was Mesopotamian religion practiced?

Mesopotamian religion was already developed by the Uruk Period (4100-2900 BCE) and was observed in roughly the same way until the 7th century CE when the region was converted to Islam.

How many gods did the ancient Mesopotamians worship?

The ancient Mesopotamians believed in at least 3,600 different gods.

Who are the Seven Divine Powers or oldest gods of Mesopotamia?

The Seven Divine Powers were Anu, Enki, Enlil, Inanna, Nanna, Ninhursag, and Utu-Shamash.

How did ancient Mesopotamians worship?

People in ancient Mesopotamia did not attend regular worship services. They prayed at private shrines and gave sacrifices to the local temple. The priests then interceded for the people with the gods. Religious festivals were times of communal worship.

Mesopotamian Religion Timeline

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Definition

Mesopotamian religion was central to the people's lives. Humans were created as co-laborers with their gods to hold off the forces of chaos and to keep the world running smoothly. As in ancient Egypt, the gods were honored daily for providing humanity with life and sustenance, and people were expected to give back through works that honored the gods.

More about: Mesopotamian Religion

Timeline

c. 3500 BCE
First written evidence of religion in the world recorded on Sumerian tablets.
c. 2600 BCE
The Myth of Etana written.
2285 BCE - 2250 BCE
Life of Enheduanna, daughter of Sargon of Akkad, and world's first author known by name.
c. 2150 BCE - c. 1400 BCE
The tales of Gilgamesh written which inform The Epic of Gilgamesh
c. 1900 BCE - c. 1600 BCE
Composition of The Descent of Inanna.
c. 1800 BCE
Written form of the Hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer.
c. 1700 BCE
The Ludul-Bel-Nimeqi written (known as the Sumerian 'Book of Job').
c. 1640 BCE - c. 1700 BCE
Written form of the Atrahasis Myth of the Great Flood.
c. 1300 BCE
The Myth of Adapa appears in written form.
c. 1100 BCE
The Enuma Elish creation myth written down.

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