Exam 7: Ancient Religions of Iraq and Iran

Describe the "mission of man" according to the Goddess Isthar in the myth of Gilgamesh. What does this say about Mesopotamian ideas concerning life and the afterlife?

Zoroastrians believe that the evil force that opposes God is Mithra.

Recount the myth of Inanna's descent to the underworld.

What did Ahura Mazda promise to the followers of Zarathustra?

Of the religions of Iraq and Iran, which had more lasting influence in the Middle East? Organize facts to support your decision.

Zoroastrians regarded Zarathustra as a god who became a man.

The hero Gilgamesh despised the wilderness creature Enkidu and sought to kill him.

Ziggurats were used for

Zarathustra's visions continued over the course of ten years, during which time he attracted many followers.

Like many religions today, Zoroastriansim

Unlike many religions today, Zoroastrians

The Babylonian underworld, or the "land of Kigal," could only be entered through the grave.

Because Utnapishtim was a devout man, the gods warned him to build a boat for humans and animals to save them from the great flood.

Describe what important contribution to the historical development of Zoroastrianism was made by the Magi.

At what age did Zarathustra's religious upheaval begin?

In the New Year's festival, the king of Babylon swore to Bel-Marduk that he had struck suppliants on the cheek and humiliated them.

The ancient Mesopotamian gods only communicated with humans through dreams.

As Gilgamesh rested, the plant of immortality was eaten by a serpent.

Hammurabi offered the people of Babylon a code of justice based upon laws he received from the sun god, Shamash.