Library

Mesopotamian Texts

Akkadian and Accadian literary and cult texts from Mesopotamia (Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, Assyria), presented in public-domain English translations. Curated for seasonal myth, Ishtar–Tammuz, and imperial religion.

• Descent of Ishtar Neo-Assyrian copy of older Akkadian myth Ishtar descends through the seven gates of the underworld; vegetation and mating cease; she is released by the waters of life; the poem closes with Tammuz and the lamenting women.
• Hymn to Tammuz Accadian; Assyrian student copies Short Accadian cult hymn to Tammuz (Du’uzu), “shepherd” and “bridegroom of Ishtar,” from the Records of the Past series.