encomiast

Mesopotamian religion encompasses the beliefs and practices of ancient peoples in Mesopotamia, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. This tradition, originating with the Sumerians, was adopted and adapted by the Akkadians and their successors. Religion was central to Mesopotamian civilization, influencing its social, economic, legal, political, and military institutions, as well as its art and literature.1

Our understanding of Mesopotamian religion comes primarily from archaeological findings, especially cuneiform texts on clay tablets. These texts include myths, hymns, prayers, and rituals. Key sites like Nippur, Ur, and the library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh have yielded invaluable information. Monumental structures like ziggurats and works of art such as the Uruk Vase and the Code of Hammurabi stela also provide insights into religious iconography and practices.2

An "encomiast" is someone who praises, essentially a eulogist. In Mesopotamian literature, the encomiast was responsible for singing hymns and reciting myths and epics, often concluding with phrases like "O [deity or hero], thy praise is sweet". This practice was believed to magically sustain and enhance the powers of the praised entity.23