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Which ancient peoples practiced Mesopotamian religion?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Historical map showing ancient Mesopotamia with labeled locations of major archaeological and historical sites. Symbols and color codes indicate sites from the prehistoric era, Sumerian-Akkadian culture, Babylonian and Neo-Babylonian eras, Assyrian civilization, Hurrian era, late Persian, Greek, and Parthian eras, as well as marshland areas. The map covers the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, including present-day Iraq and surrounding areas.
Mesopotamian religion

Mesopotamian religion was a continuous tradition of beliefs and practices primarily developed and maintained by the following ancient peoples:

  • Sumerians: The originators of the religious system.1
  • Akkadians: Semitic people who integrated their own beliefs with the existing Sumerian traditions.1
  • Babylonians: Successors who further developed these religious practices.1
  • Assyrians: Successors who also contributed to and maintained the tradition.1

This religious framework served as the intellectual foundation for their civilization, influencing social, political, and legal institutions. Its reach extended beyond Mesopotamia, impacting the cultures of neighboring peoples, including the Elamites, Hurrians, Hittites, Aramaeans, and Israelites.1