Religion in Mesopotamia
In Religion in Mesopotamia, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains how religion unified early societies amidst the uncertainty of life. Temples were spiritual and economic hubs, which reinforced a sense of order in a chaotic and uncertain world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Lesson Express
Q: What purpose did religion serve for Mesopotamians?
A: Religion helped provide unity, a shared framework to categorize and address uncertain and uncontrollable forces like floods and other natural disasters. It also gave people a shared sense of purpose.
Q: What did the Mesopotamians think would happen if they did not appease the gods?
A: They feared the gods might withdraw their support, leading to the undoing of all their work and achievements. They also feared that the gods would bring natural disasters.
Q: What purpose did the temples serve?
A: The temples were where people came to do business and engage in rituals and religion.
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