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Document Details : Title: Durch den Regen gezeugt Subtitle: Frühe Texte vom Anfang der Welt Author(s): KEETMAN, Jan Journal: Bibliotheca Orientalis Volume: 79 Issue: 1-2 Date: 2022 Pages: 13-28 DOI: 10.2143/BIOR.79.1.3291006 Abstract : This article is about the characteristics of the earliest texts about the beginning of the world, which may be roughly dated about 2600 BC. Since the Mesopotamian religion was always fluid the texts are studied within their own time and for their own right. After an overview and the discussion of some basic features including the use of the UGN-writing system, we discuss the best preserved text, which we have called 'Die Investitur des Utu'. We believe that the texts should be investigated in their entirety, not only some lines describing the very beginning. Due to the writing system and the state of preservation this text is full of ambiguities but on the other hand many things are clear enough for a general description. One important aspect is the presence of chthonic 'Dema-Gods' coming from the rain, which may be connected with Gods from which plants are sprouting, as depicted on seals. |
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