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The religious beliefs and practices of the Babylonians were deeply rooted in polytheism, the worship of multiple gods. They believed that the gods controlled every aspect of life, including natural phenomena, human affairs, and the fate of individuals.
The Babylonians worshipped a pantheon of gods, with each deity having a specific domain and role. The most prominent god in their religion was Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon. Marduk was considered the supreme god and the creator of the universe. The Babylonians believed that Marduk had defeated the chaos monster Tiamat and established order in the world.
To appease the gods and ensure their favor, the Babylonians performed various religious rituals and ceremonies. They built magnificent temples called ziggurats, which served as sacred spaces for worship. These ziggurats were believed to be the earthly dwelling places of the gods.
The Babylonians also practiced divination, seeking to understand the will of the gods and predict the future. They used various methods such as interpreting dreams, studying the movements of celestial bodies, and examining the livers of sacrificed animals.
Sacrifice played a significant role in Babylonian religious practices. Animals, such as sheep and oxen, were offered to the gods as a means of communication and appeasement. The Babylonians believed that these sacrifices would ensure the gods' blessings and protection.
Additionally, the Babylonians believed in the existence of supernatural beings such as demons and spirits. They practiced rituals and incantations to ward off evil spirits and protect themselves from harm.
Overall, the religious beliefs and practices of the Babylonians were deeply intertwined with their daily lives and permeated every aspect of their society. Religion played a crucial role in maintaining social order, explaining natural phenomena, and seeking divine guidance.