Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary

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University of Texas Press, 1992 - History - 192 pages
10 Reviews

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".

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Review: Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary

User Review  - Gavin White - Goodreads

Excellent introduction to Mesopotamian culture with articles on everything from gods and sages through to burial customs and magic. Packed with useful information and cross-references which allows the reader to explore any topic further. Very good illustrations and photos. Read full review

Review: Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary

User Review  - Sarduriur F. Sverresdatter - Goodreads

This is a well-researched, accessibly-written collaborative survey/reference text on Ancient Mesopotamian cultures and religions. It has proven to be a very handy secondary source in my personal library of ANE texts. My only gripe: the entries could have been longer. Read full review

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About the author (1992)

Jeremy Black is a professor of history at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. He is, or has been, on numerous editorial boards, including the "Journal of Military History, the Journal of the Royal United Services Institute, Media History", and "History Today", and was editor of "Archives". He is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including "War and the World: Military Power and the Fate of Continents, 1450-2000" (Yale, 2000), "The British Seaborne Empire" (Yale, 2004), "Maps and History" (Yale, 2000), and "European Warfare in a Global Context, 1600-1815" (Routledge, 2007). He lives in Exeter.

Anthony Green is Senior Lecturer in Sociology of Education and Course Leader for the MA Sociology of Education in the Department of Educational Foundations and Policy Studies, Institute of Education, University of London. Glenn Rikowski is Senior Lecturer and Course Leader of Education Studies, School of Education, University of Northampton. Helen Raduntz is Adjunct Research Fellow; Centre for Research in Education, Equity, and Work; University of South Australia.
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Bibliographic information

QR code for Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia
TitleGods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia: An Illustrated Dictionary
AuthorsJeremy Black, Anthony Green
Illustrated byTessa Rickards
Editionillustrated, reprint
PublisherUniversity of Texas Press, 1992
ISBN0292707940, 9780292707948
Length192 pages
Subjects ›  › 

History / Ancient / General
Reference / Dictionaries
Religion / History
Social Science / Folklore & Mythology
  
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