The Ancient Period, Before 600 BCE: 1.6: Development of Ancient Afro-Eurasian Religions (Sources 1–8)

Starting with that phase of religious beliefs known as animism, the Babylonians ascribed life to the phenomena of nature, to trees, stones, and plants, as well as to such natural events as storms, rain, wind, and to the stars. (Source 1)

Babylonians would be led to invoke an infinite number of spirits who were supposed to be the embodiment of the life that manifested in such diverse manners. (Source 1)

Babylonians would be led to invoke an infinite number of spirits who were supposed to be the embodiment of the life that manifested in such diverse manners. (Source 1)

Yet, certain spirits were seen as exercising a more decisive influence upon the affairs of man than others. (Source 1)

The result of this would be to place greater importance on the worship of the sun and moon and the water, and of such natural phenomena as rain, wind, and storms, with their accompaniment of thunder and lightning, as opposed to the countless spirits believed to be lurking everywhere. (Source 1)

The rise of agriculture and then cities gradually transformed the belief that nature was alive with spiritual forces (animism) to more systematic theologies and organized religious observances. (Source 2)

The rise of agriculture and then cities gradually transformed the belief that nature was alive with spiritual forces (animism) to more systematic theologies and organized religious observances. These beliefs and practices gave order and meaning to people’s lives and may have promoted cooperation and a sense of community.… (Source 2)

The rise of agriculture and then cities gradually transformed the belief that nature was alive with spiritual forces (animism) to more systematic theologies and organized religious observances. These beliefs and practices gave order and meaning to people’s lives and may have promoted cooperation and a sense of community.… (Source 2)

The rise of agriculture and then cities gradually transformed the belief that nature was alive with spiritual forces (animism) to more systematic theologies and organized religious observances. These beliefs and practices gave order and meaning to people’s lives and may have promoted cooperation and a sense of community.… (Source 2)

Full-time religious specialists evolved, often replacing the shamans, the part-time spiritual leaders associated with earlier times. (Source 2)

Because they provided essential services such as writing or calculating the time of annual floods and staffing temples serving thousands of believers, priests were the first social group to be freed from direct subsistence labor. (Source 2)

Hail to thee, O Nile!
Bringer of food! Great lord of provisions! (Source 3)

He fills the granaries and enriches the storehouses,
He cares for the state of the poor. (Source 3)

If a man come upon a man attempting to strike him, he shall receive twenty lashes for the first offense. (Source 4)

There are laws of justice which, I Hammurabi, the wise king, established. A righteous law and pious statute have I taught the land. (Source 6)

There are laws of justice which, I Hammurabi, the wise king, established. A righteous law and pious statute have I taught the land. (Source 6)

There are laws of justice which, I Hammurabi, the wise king, established. A righteous law and pious statute have I taught the land. (Source 6)

I was not negligent, but I made them a peaceful abiding place. (Source 6)

I was not negligent, but I made them a peaceful abiding place. (Source 6)

With the mighty weapons which the gods Zamama and Ishtar entrusted to me, with the wisdom that Marduk gave me, I have uprooted the enemy in north and south, subdued the earth, brought prosperity to the land, guaranteed security to the inhabitants in their homes. (Source 6)

With the mighty weapons which the gods Zamama and Ishtar entrusted to me, with the wisdom that Marduk gave me, I have uprooted the enemy in north and south, subdued the earth, brought prosperity to the land, guaranteed security to the inhabitants in their homes. (Source 6)

With the mighty weapons which the gods Zamama and Ishtar entrusted to me, with the wisdom that Marduk gave me, I have uprooted the enemy in north and south, subdued the earth, brought prosperity to the land, guaranteed security to the inhabitants in their homes. (Source 6)

My good shadow that has spread over my city; on my breast I cherish the inhabitants of the land of Sumer and Akkad; in my shelter I have let them repose in peace; in my deep wisdom have I enclosed them. (Source 6)

…Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!… (Source 7)

Seven of the 101 names of Ahura Mazda, the “Wise Lord” deity, from a Zoroastrian oral tradition originating from the sixth century BCE
1. Worthy of worship
2. Omnipotent
3. Omniscient
4. The Lord of all
5. Without beginning
6. Without end
7. The origin of the formation of the world
(Source 8)