"One of the world's foremost experts on Assyriology, Jean Bottero has studied the religion of ancient Mesopotamia throughout a distinguished career that spans more than half a century. Building on these many years of research, Bottero here presents the definitive account of one of the world's oldest known religions.". "Bottero begins with brief but thorough introductions to the history of religion, Mesopotamian history, and the available source materials. He then draws on documentary and artistic evidence of hymns, prayers, magical incantations, and rituals, as well as personal letters, to show how ancient Mesopotamian religion was practiced both in the public and private spheres, and how it developed over the three millennia of its active existence. Finally, he traces the many influences that Mesopotamian religion had on Western civilization, including the Hebrew Bible, showing how much like us the Mesopotamians were in intellect, emotion, and deeds."--BOOK JACKET.