The Deification of kings in Ancient Iraq: The Akkadian state (2160 - 2273 B.C )

Abstract

The concept of religion is ancient, dating back to the earliest emergence of humans on Earth. However, it is difficult to precisely determine its time, place, or exact definition. Archaeological excavations and anthropological studies indicate that religion has existed in all regions of the world and among all human communities. From the outset, humans recognized that existence, with all its phenomena, is governed by fixed laws connected through a series of relationships. Due to their lack of understanding of these rules, humans attributed these phenomena to powerful and mysterious divine forces, which they began to venerate and appease through sacrifices to avoid harm or misfortune caused by natural events.

Over time, in ancient Iraq, particularly among kings, the concept of divinity was exploited and linked to kingship to confer sanctity and divine legitimacy upon their authority. This practice served primarily political purposes, ensuring the enforcement of their rule and discouraging opposition to their commands. The human king was regarded as commissioned by the gods to execute their will, making his decrees appear as divine orders to be implemented among his subjects on Earth.

This study is divided into three main sections. The first section explores the concept of kingship, its origin, symbols, election, and divine mandate. The second section examines the importance of deifying kings and the reasons behind their deification. The third section investigates the deified kings of the Akkadian Empire.