What were the common religious practices? What was the government’s role in religion?

Answer 1

Common religious practices in ancient Mesopotamia included the worship of a pantheon of gods and goddesses, the performance of rituals and sacrifices, the construction of temples and ziggurats, and the use of divination to communicate with the divine.

The government played a significant role in religion in ancient Mesopotamia. Temples were often closely linked with political power, and rulers were seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people. The king of Mesopotamia was often considered to be the representative of the chief god or goddess in the region, and was responsible for ensuring the favor of the gods through rituals and offerings.

The government also played a role in regulating religious practices, overseeing the construction and maintenance of temples, and appointing high priests and priestesses to officiate at religious ceremonies. In some cases, rulers even claimed divine status themselves, further intertwining politics and religion in ancient Mesopotamia.