#ancient mesopotamia

[memories-of-ancients]

Banded agate frog, Akkadian, 2400 - 2200 BC

from The British Museum

[intersectionalpraxis]

I remember when my high school history teacher once said (a long time ago, I'm old) that the US bombed and destroyed sites [some not even fully explored] of Ancient Mesopotamia (which is now mostly centred around modern-day Iraq), and that everything they did/were doing is unconscionable. For those who don't know Ancient Mesopotamia is considered to be the birthplace of writing, is where the world's first cities were developed (among many other things, of course). I couldn't help but think of this, and it's just frustrating and heartbreaking to see.

These violent imperialistic and settler regimes have nothing but erasure and obliteration of communities in their minds because that is what they want -to eradicate and dehumanize the spaces they are invading/striking. There is NEVER a coincidence of doing something as heinous as this. These spaces are sacred and important parts of civilizations in so many ways. Mercilessly bombing, bulldozing through, and breaking them down speaks volumes about the aggressors. The IOF must be stopped. The occupation must end.

[spooky-donut-ghost-house]

Something that I get chills about is the fact that the oldest story told made by the oldest civilization opens with "In those days, in those distant days, in those ancient nights."

This confirms that there is a civilization older than the Sumerians that we have yet to find

Some people get existential dread from this

Me? I think it's fucking awesome it shows just how much of this world we have yet to discover and that is just fascinating

[jareckiworld]

The Queen of the Night (Burney Relief) fired clay, Mesopotamia, Old Babylonian era, 1800-1750 BCE.

[pierrotsloop]

Miscellaneous gilgamesh excerpts that go really really hard. .. . I am kind of obsessed (can you guys believe how perfrctly grief was articulated even 5000 years ago ppl had the exact same emotions and also they were gay I'm SICK!!!) (I filled happy people with woe over you is actually so nauseating) (I love ancient poetry) (also it makes me sad cause so much is missing)

[desimonewayland]

Brick with guilloche design

Neo-Assyrian, ca. 9th century BCE

Mesopotamia, Nimrud (ancient Kalhu)

Ceramic, glaze

Collection Met Museum

[wolgraugorimilir]

Chapters 2 and 3 of Tepwat Manu are live on ao3!!

U can get there from the pinned post on my blog

Two old friends from faraway lands come to declare their devotion, a foolish youth is abducted, and our travelers embark on the titular Journey to Manu !

I'll be celebrating with two suns from the watercolor edition of the book I'm still working on

Here is Khepri reborn, held afloat by grandmother Nun, the primordial sea.

Here is Shamash, radiant.

Hope u think this is cool :3

[memories-of-ancients]

The Standard of Ur, a box, possibly a part of an instrument, decorated with lapis lazuli, shell, and red limestone depicting a war scene or military march. Uncovered from the Royal Tombs of Ur

Sumer, city of Ur, circa 2500 BC

from The British Museum

[chaoswizardry]

As per tradition, I fuck up the family gingerbread house, by decorating my side with ridiculous iconography. This year i transcribed one of my favourite Babylonian literary works, in cuneiform, with a toothpick. Merry Christmas, fellas.

[ancientorigins]

In the cradle of civilization, the intricate practice of divination became a vital conduit to understand the divine will. Mesopotamians, residing between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, sought celestial guidance in every aspect of life. Believing that gods influenced their fate, they meticulously observed entrails, a practice known as hepatoscopy, interpreting patterns and anomalies for profound insights.

Celestial phenomena, such as eclipses and planetary positions, played a significant role in divination, with the Babylonians excelling in celestial insights. The recording of omens from natural events, dreams, and even physiognomy further enriched their symbolic language. Diviners, esteemed in society, held the responsibility of translating divine messages into practical advice for rulers and individuals.

In this spiritual tapestry, even fringe practices like dream interpretation and physiognomy were embraced. Mesopotamian divination stands as a testament to an ancient society where every aspect, from dreams to entrails, bore the weight of divine communication, shaping decisions and offering glimpses into an intricate connection between the earthly and divine realms.

[999lcf]

Stele di naram sin

Mesopotamia antica

I mage for sito web

[decomposingarchaeologist]

[shewhoworshipscarlin]

 Statue of Gudea, 2090BC, Mesopotamia.

[ancientstuff]

Oh, I'd bet we've been kissing since forever ago.