Barns in the Old Babylonian Period in Light of Published and Unpublished Cuneiform Texts

Abstract

Mesopotamia is considered the cradle of an ancient civilization. All the revolutions that changed the face of the world began on its land. The first of these revolutions was the agricultural revolution, which enabled people to settle in the first agricultural villages, which later became the nucleus of the cities that played a major role in Mesopotamia's history. It also led to industrial, literary, intellectual, religious, architectural, artistic, and many other revolutions. However, the religious revolution was the most important and dangerous, as it governed and directed the reality of the population and society. The people of Mesopotamia sought to please and win the favor of the gods, believing that they determined their fate and shaped the course of their lives.

    The oldest cuneiform (Sumerian) texts confirm this statement, showing that they constantly offered sacrifices, offerings, and vows to their gods to ensure a prosperous and stable life for them and their children .

    Among the methods adopted by the inhabitants of Mesopotamia to appease the gods were sacrifices and offerings, which occupied a large space in ancient Iraqi society. The matter developed into the establishment of special enclosures for fattening cattle in most cities of Mesopotamia to offer sacrifices and offerings to the gods

on the one hand and to support and strengthen the country’s economy on the other .