„Šul-utul, bóg króla, niósł lśniący kosz służący do pracy”. Religia królewska a religia rodzinna w starożytnej Mezopotamii

Abstract

The aim of this article is mainly a comparison of “royal” and “family” religions in the ancient Near East. General question is the veraciousness of known textual sources, originating from urban environment. The image of a “nomad” is clear and extremely negative – an uncivilized savage, unaware of the proper religion and divine cult. Description of citizenship is completely different – citizens are noble, full of fear of gods, skilled in baking bread and brewing beer, namely – civilized. On the other hand, having plenty of proofs of close, long-lasting and quite friendly urban-nomad co-existence (chiefly in the area of trade) we are inclined to doubt in the truthfulness of cuneiform sources. Focusing on a patron-deity as a crucial factor in such a comparison, one can notice, that this kind of god was not specific only for nomadic but also for royal as well as family beliefs. Moreover, we must acknowledge, that all known ancient Near Eastern urban societies were to all appearance – at some stage of their development – also nomadic. If such, they also should have exercised the worship of various patron deities. This opinion can be supported by studying known royal inscriptions, both Sargonic and pre-Sargonic, where the presence of various “personal” deities could be discerned. Such observation can be hardly considered established, nevertheless it creates some possibilities. Can clan god and personal religion be recognized the forefathers of polytheistic as well as monotheistic faiths, both having the same roots, but different ways and environments of development? Further study is needed for definite response (if any possible), but in my opinion the obtainment of the affirmative one is very probable.