The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria

Ancient gods, temple practices and the reading of omens come together in Morris Jastrow's study of Babylonian and Assyrian religion. He organizes the pantheon by historical period, moving from early Babylonia through the age of Hammurabi to Assyria and later Babylonian beliefs. Translations of religious texts support discussions of magic, oracles, creation and life after death, while separate sections consider temple architecture and worship.

The detailed treatment of animal omens shows how closely religious interpretation could follow everyday encounters. A snake's direction, a bird entering a house, or the appearance of animals in a public place could carry different meanings for an individual or a whole community. Jastrow also explains the limits of the evidence and the disagreements among scholars. Readers interested in ancient religion can use the book to examine both these systems of belief and the methods of a scholar working with inscriptions and newly available research.