Assyrian Mythology

by Sebastian Berg

Like many other belief systems hailing from this region, Assyrian mythology had an incredibly long-standing effect on other cultures and religions. Flourishing between 1900 BCE to 650 CE, Assyria has unique historical significance in the scheme of Mesopotamian mythology. Some of the most indicative archeological evidence of the beliefs of Mesopotamian mythology comes from the ancient Assyrian territories. From the tablets and other forms of writing and art found in this region, scholars have established that Assyrian beliefs were laced with tales about powerful gods, goddesses, demigods, heroes, and mythical beings whose actions helped explain events that contradicted mundane reasoning and ideas.
Given that the origins of Assyrian mythology can be traced back to the Near East, it's not surprising that the beliefs of this civilization also influenced the ancient Egyptian, Abrahamic, and Greek mythologies and traditions. And while the religion was almost suppressed by 500 C.E., devotees who became Assyrian Christians carried on some of their old habits. Because of this, the Assyrian beliefs can still influence the modern world, particularly some neo-pagan religions born in the early 20th century.