What was the primary religion in ancient Mesopotamia?

The primary religion in ancient Mesopotamia was polytheism, characterized by the worship of numerous gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of life and nature. Ancient Mesopotamians believed that these deities controlled natural elements, human affairs, and the fate of individuals. They constructed elaborate temples and performed various rituals and sacrifices to please their gods and secure favor or protection.

This polytheistic belief system was integral to the social, political, and cultural life in cities like Babylon, Ur, and Assyria, influencing their art, literature, and governance. The relationship between the gods and humans was central, with deities considered responsible for everything from successful harvests to personal well-being.

In contrast, monotheism is the belief in a single god, which did develop in other cultures over time but was not the major religious framework during the period of ancient Mesopotamia. Agnosticism, the view that the existence of a god might be unknown or unknowable, and atheism, the rejection of belief in gods, do not align with the predominant religious practices of the Mesopotamian society that was heavily invested in a diverse pantheon of deities. Hence, the significance and structure of polytheism in ancient Mesopot