Mesopotamian Religion

Gods and Religious Practices

Gods were very important to the Mesopotamians because the Mesopotamians believed that the gods affected them in everyday life. Mesopotamians were polyesthic which means they believed in many gods, the Mesopotamians worshipped a few major gods, and thousands of minor gods. Each Major Mesopotamian city each had their own patron god, like Babylons was Marduk, and Enki in Sumer. In early Mesopotamia priests served as the first kings, authority came from the gods. The four primary Gods and Goddesses were An, Ki or Ninhursag, Enil, and Enki who ruled the heavens and earth. Enki gradually takes on An's powers and becomes the most powerful god. The gods, in turn, took care of their human helpers in every aspect of their lives. The patron God or Goddess had the largest temple in the city. One way people worshipped gods in Babylon was Akitu was a spring festival where people in ancient Babylon worshipped their god Marduk. (JD)