Publisher's Synopsis
The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria is a comprehensive study of the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations of Babylonia and Assyria. Written by Morris Jastrow, a renowned scholar of Semitic languages and cultures, the book provides a detailed analysis of the various deities, myths, rituals, and ceremonies that formed the core of the Babylonian and Assyrian religious systems.The book begins by tracing the historical development of the Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations and their religious traditions, from their earliest origins in the Sumerian period to the height of their power in the first millennium BCE. It then delves into the complex pantheon of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Mesopotamians, exploring their origins, attributes, and roles in the divine hierarchy.Jastrow also examines the religious practices and rituals of the Babylonians and Assyrians, including the use of divination, the importance of astrology and astronomy, and the role of the priesthood in maintaining the religious order. He discusses the various forms of religious literature produced by the Mesopotamians, including hymns, prayers, and epic narratives, and analyzes the symbolism and imagery used in these texts.Throughout the book, Jastrow emphasizes the continuity and evolution of Mesopotamian religious traditions, highlighting the ways in which they adapted to changing historical and cultural contexts. He also draws comparisons between the Babylonian and Assyrian religions and those of other ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece.Overall, The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of ancient Mesopotamia, as well as for scholars of comparative religion and mythology.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
